Carol Williams and Andrea Bedard challenged the ActiveRain community in their December Challenge: ‘Tis the Season for Miracles & Scares to “spread some joy and share a Christmas season miracle.”
I love miracles and some happen in little ways each day and others are more an extraordinary event that brings a rush of joy and thankfulness.
When it comes to an extraordinary Christmas Miracle my first thought is my younger brother John. Two years ago I spent my first Christmas without my Geno with John and his family in Pittsburgh. It was fun to spend time with his extended family and they made me feel so welcomed and helped me get through the holidays! John and I enjoyed many meaningful conversation are are enjoying retirement and life!
He wasn’t feeling great the Sunday I left and he went to the Doctors on Monday. They began determining what was causing his jaundice look and upset stomach. It turned out he had a tumor on his pancreas and immediate attention was required. It meant quickly orchestrating what would take place and obtaining a second doctor’s opinion from his daughter’s well connected sphere. Ski patrol duties at Hidden Valley Resort, where they have a condo, had to be put on hold. That was a huge sacrifice as he loves skiing and working with his patrol buddies of many years.
The decision on the doctor was settled. Many rounds of testing and collaboration brought about a regime of chemo therapy to shrink the tumor. John lost so much weight it was scary on his 6’4” frame. The weeks were grueling and his wife Kathy called herself nurse “Ratchet” and followed every directive given. John and Kathy’s strong religious convictions were like arms encircling, giving them strength. Their children were another layer, helping at every turn.
After weeks of chemo, deliberation was made and surgery scheduled, with more chemo after surgery. It was exhausting but John embraced all that was thrown at him because of his fierce will to live.
Of course COVID hit making everything harder. They stayed sequestered not seeing family or friends and followed John’s daily regiment. Because of their due diligence he began regaining his strength.
John loves sunsets (making sure the house they purchase faces the right direction to enjoy them every night). When they are on vacation he positions them in the right location to take advantage of the rich colors. It’s calming and relaxing and is like oxygen for my bro.
It’s almost two years now since his diagnoses, all his treatments and this December he is given the okay and back on the ski patrol and can’t wait for the heavy snow falls!
He is cancer free, feels great and is enjoying their grandchildren (2 more born in October of this year within 2 hours of each other and both boys) and planning trips and finishing projects (he always has one going). A True Christmas Miracle! Love you Bro!
I love these two photos ..one 50 years ago in 1971 when he drove a 1965 Mustang. The other is 2021 in his Murano! As his wife says: “As much things change, others stay the same!”
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Maya Angelou
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