I truly feel this past year was one of my most challenging ever. I’ve been tested in so many ways personally, professionally and internally. Yet, as my wife always tells me “everything somehow has a way of working itself out” and through all of it- faith, believing and being surrounded by love guided me through this often trying time in my life. I am sure my children now understand our preaching to make the best out of every day they have. And while, they have always been sensitive to others, they especially appreciate being healthy as a gift. My wife… what would I ever do without her. This will be our 30th Christmas together and I can’t imagine them without her. When I was diagnosed with my condition, I became dazed and floated off to another place while she became focused and ready to battle; she even had a plan before left the emergency room. I exhibited something that resembled a fighter absorbing a knock out punch. Kim and Gabriella were relentless to find me the best doctors possible, while I thought it best to get things in order just in case things didn’t go as expected. My surgeon was awesome, I can’t thank him and the staff at the hospital enough. I was treated like royalty “it helps to have family and friends working there too”! I have to go for scans every six months and naturally just before my next scan my anxiety level is hard to disguise so I’ve found new ways to take my mind off it as best I can, though I am human.
I think back to some of the things that were said to me this pas year that left lasting impressions:
Dr. Strober- “This my friend was divine intervention”, “you are one lucky “expletive”.
Cousin Damien upon hearing the news- “No not you!! you are the Rock, the Rock of our family, nothing gets to the Rock”.
Gabriella- “Daddy I’m sorry for everything….”
Kim- “I got this…” “You’re not going anywhere.. I…we need you”.
Gianna- “I’m fine…” Gianna internalized everything, though you could tell she was having a hard time dealing with it. The picture below melts me beyond words and helped comfort me more than the morphine.
So, in light of it all, this year has offered many lessons, reminded us (me) how important faith is in our lives and why we should be grateful for those in our lives and not take what and who we have for granted.
Love you all and thanks for being there and have a Merry Christmas.
T
