Sometimes It's Good To Reflect

[flippin and pitchin]

It's Christmas Day obviously. All's quiet and my wife's sleeping. My grand-kids wore us out last night. It gave me time to reflect and I wanted to drop a line to some of you who know our situation. I have jumped on the forum a few times the last 6 months, read a few posts and even PM'd a couple of you. I really enjoyed that. My wife of 40 years plus has gone through quite a trial. She has fought cancer for 16 years now. This last situation has been exceptionally difficult because it came only two weeks after my son finished his issues with a brain tumor, surgery and a long recovery.

 

When my kids and their kids were opening presents and just having a super time, I looked on between taking pictures and thought, this is my gift. Seeing my bald wife hugging the babies, showing them how a toy works or asking me where the batteries are is special. When you face the reality of your wife not being there next Christmas, it makes you appreciate what you have in front of you that much more. Seeing her in the kitchen with the energy to make cookies or wrap gifts is special. We take each day one at a time and each day is special.  Today is a good day.  It's Christmas every day in my house.

 

Peace, Love and Joy to every single one of you knuckleheads. 

 

Doug

[Dwight Hottle]

Thanks for sharing & I wish you the best with your situation. Your attitude is remarkable.

[deaknh03]

Keep up the outlook. I hope you guys celebrate many more holidays.

[BassnChris]

Prayers are an easy gift to give and they are so powerful.

Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family!

Chris

[aceman387]

God bless you and your family. Prayers sent for all of you guys.    

[Oregon Native]

Awesome...stay strong brother. One day at a time. I've walked the cancer road with my kids. Everyday is a gift from above and will lift you up here in about a second.

May our God Bless you and yours again and again and again

[Nitrofreak]

My wife had a rare and very aggressive form of cervical cancer , she had so much taken from her years ago , as I read your story , I could not help but get choked up at what might have been and what we went through during her bout , where that road could have taken us and may someday still take us , when you speak of reflections , I do not see her in the same light as the day we had wed , all the struggles and hardships we had are not what keep my mind occupied , like you , I see her as a gift , as a blessing each day that passes , the little things are always so very clear .

 

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family , God bless !!

[A-Jay]

Reflection is good and often strengthens each day going forward.

 

It often helps understand the true reality of just how fleeting every day, every love & every breathe really is regardless of how long each may last.

 

The gift of appreciation is a powerful stabilizer for many.

 

I am one as well Doug.

 

A-Jay

 

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[nick76]

Doug.....thank you for sharing. In this world we are quick to get caught up in all that is going on, rather than enjoying what we have been given. Just hearing your story brings back my memories from 13 years ago when my wife was diagnosed with Melanoma. I have learned to enjoy the moment, we never know when or if it will come back. Keep your head up and enjoy her. Nobody can ever take your memories. God Bless.

[Jigfishn10]

Doug, thank you for posting again and sharing, it's really nice to hear from you catching up on how things are. My family and I were in a similar sitation with my sister's brush with cancer last year. We had Thanksgiving dinner this year at her house and I found myself reflecting on how remarkable she looked this year and how awful I felt last year knowing what she was going through. I don't see her often during the year and I do not often tell the people I love how I feel about them, but I do go out of my way to make sure my sister knows how I feel about her every single time I see her.

 

Be strong and stay positive, I hope you all have a remarkable and joyous 2014!

 

John