Christmas is coming.
Coen, almost 8, is very excited for Christmas. He is counting down! We are busy planning for our annual Christmas Eve party--which entails lots of food, tons of people, free-flowing wine, rockband on wii--and always a very special visit from Santa. As I think about it, it is funny how traditions come about.
It was December 15, 7 years ago, when Coen was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with aHUS. I always remember the date because I remember being totally ignorant and thinking to myself "Well, there is no way we will be hospitalized for more than 10 days. We'll be home for Christmas." Little did I know that we wouldn't go home for 4 months.
It was that Christmas Eve, when Santa (who looked a lot like an maintenance man from the hospital) visited us in ICU and brought Coen a giant stuffed teddy bear. I think seeing Santa there meant as much to us as it did to any of the kids. We were missing our family, our home, and the holidays. Over the next few months, we became good friends with the our floor's housekeeper who happened to be married to that same guy who looked a whole lot like Santa.
The next Christmas, we were home but Coen's aHUS was still a constant worry. On Christmas Eve, that same Santa surprised us by visiting our house. Now, 7 years later, Santa has shown up every year, without fail. Now, our entire extended family looks forward to his yearly visit.
Our very special Santa makes me think about the good that comes from bad. This holiday season, I am thankful for all of the friendships we've made and the knowledge we've gained over the past 7 years. I am so thankful for this community and the support you all provide. I truly believe this community has the opportunity to help improve the lives of all people who have been or will be diagnosed with this disease. I am proud to be part of it.
I hope you all have a great holiday season and a very merry and healthy Christmas.
The Kaylers
Views: 3
Comment
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Comment by Dana M Simone on December 13, 2010 at 7:38pm -
Jodi, thank you for a great perspective. You're so right of course - no matter what, there is always so much to be grateful for. Advent is a time for miracles...I hope we all find reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas!
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Comment by Heather Still on December 13, 2010 at 8:19am -
What an awesome Christmas tradition that you have been blessed with!!! Have a very Merry Christmas!!!
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Comment by Cheryl Biermann on December 12, 2010 at 2:33pm -
Jodi, What a wonderful Christmas message! Also, can I come to the party?!! Have a holy Christmas and a blessed new year!
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