One bad day and one good day!

Originally published on Multiply, December 26th, 2007


Christmas Eve certainly didn't turn out as we would have wanted it to be. Starting in the morning, Tony had a fairly heavy nosebleed, and as the day progressed, he kept getting more nosebleed, with a total of 4 by evening. By that time, the nurses decided it would be time they send him to the hospital to get it checked out. So they called in an ambulance and took Tony back to the Lakeshore General, where he was before. He went in through the emergency and was seen right away, however, by the time we got there, the bleeding had stopped (of course!!!) and all the doctor did was take some blood samples and checked periodically if he was bleeding again, he then decided there was nothing he could do, and sent us back to the rehab.

The nurses at the rehab had packed his nose with something (I forget the name) which when wet will expand, thus preventing the blood from coming through the nostril. The doctor at the hospital didn't want to take it out for fear the bleeding would start again - the nurses had sent him there in the first place thinking the doctor would cauterize the nose, but when I asked the doctor if he would do that he said no, for the reason explained before. So they called a Medicar to take him back to the rehab, it took about 1-1/2 hours for one to come and get him, but finally they did and he got back at around 10pm.

Of course by then, they had to hook him up to the Vankomycin drip for 2 hours!!! Needless to say he didn't get a very good night sleep that night.

The good news is that finally, he is no longer on any antibiotics, intravenously or by mouth!!!!! That was the biggest Christmas gift he could get from them.

But that didn't stop the bleeding. Even tonight he had another one, and he had some on Christmas day too and this morning. We don't know what is causing it and what will or can be done about this.

I hope that now that he's no longer on any antibiotics and if they can get his blood's INR levelled off to where it should be, then maybe all this bleeding will stop. So again I would really appreciate more prayers :)

And now on to the good day. Christmas day was a much better day - for one thing he was free of the IV and antibiotic that was causing all the havoc with the INR. And also because the whole family came over to the rehab bearing all food and staples for a Christmas celebration just like it would be if it was held at the regular venue, which is usually at his brother's Jim & Ginette's place.

They really went all out, bringing all the  appetizers, like shrimps & dip, patés, cheese with crackers and bread. Turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans and desserts galore, not to mention wine. Tony had only a tiny amount of wine, just enough to make a toast. It was a wonderful evening.

What really helped in getting all this set up is that the rehab center has a full stove, fridge and microwave that we could use to get things done, I shouldn't say "we" as I didn't have a thing to do with any of the preparations or even with the cleanup of it all. The family did it all and they were wonderful about it. They even bought a few presents for Tony. It really did make his day.

By 8pm though he was really tired and I took him back to his room to get him ready for bed. A few of the family members came up to say goodnight and I had to quiet them down as the other patients were all in bed and the lights were out..........lol. But I guess they were still in a celebrating mood :)

I also forgot to mention that our neighbours on the right hand side of us came to visit Tony as well, I was so surprised that my first reaction was to say to them "what are you doing here".....lol, and she says, we're visiting.....lol, I felt like an idiot....lol. I had left a Post-It Note on the door of his room so that if other member of the family were going there first, they would know where to find us, so it was lucky I had done that. Tony was really touched by their visit.

Hope you all had a great Christmas! Here is a pic of Tony that night, it's the first pic I took that evening. He is wearing a sling to protect his arm.

moscreations wrote on Jan 3, '08

Yeah, you had it rough for sure, and you're not out of the woods yet, and I hope you will soon be rid of that trach and be well again.

His brother Jim called me today to tell me he was relieving me of my duties today and to stay home and rest. When I phoned Tony with the news he was crestfallen, so disappointed that I probably will end up going even if not for the same duration. He sounded like a little boy lost. He was so looking forward to seeing me. Hugs

Mo

dreamyone wrote on Jan 3, '08

Poor Tony , I can so relate to him because of all that time I was in the hospital when this stuff happened to me, I was so down like tony, Thought i'd never get out of that place, it's coming up to that time last year when it all happened.. and it sort of gives me the creeps thinking about it.. Anyway.. It will be so good when Tony can go home again, I'm so praying for him and for that day to be soon for the both of you. I hope you had a nice "New Years". Well just checking up on ya and saying hi. Sending you both a Happy New Years Hug hope it brings with it luck, happiness and joy..Luv ya friend :0) Leslie

moscreations wrote on Jan 2, '08

He has good days and bad days Les. Today he was very lonely and a bit depressed. Because on week-ends and holidays, there is no therapy, and not many people around, so he finds it very long when I'm not around. He gets very bored and has no interest in much of anything, he doesn't have a very good attention span right now. But I am buying him a laptop, just ordered it now from Dell, and hopefully with that, he'll be able to entertain himself a little bit when I'm not around. He is lucky that I don't work and I can be there much more than I could be if I held a job. I don't know what he would do if I did work. Thanks for the prayers sweetie, and I do the same for you, I know how rough it's been for you too. Hugs, Mo.

dreamyone wrote on Jan 2, '08

He looks so sweet and so happy in his picture, Hard to believe its the same person going through all that bad stuff.. But it just shows he's getting better and he's gonna make it and it's all due to his strong and beautiful wife who has stood by his side though the thick and the thin of it. Boy what a lucky fellow Tony is to have you. Love and my continued prayers to the both of you , May this new year bring health and nothing but happiness to you both., Love you guys!!!! Les

moscreations wrote on Jan 2, '08

Thank you Donna for the continued prayers. Unfortunately, the arm is pretty much nil right now, the OT works with the arm, while the PT works with the leg. The leg is doing pretty good, there is definite improvement there, but the arm is not showing much if any progress. They are not hopeful that movement will come back, but I pray that he will defy all odds and get it moving. But right now it's just not happening. I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New year as well.

Hugs

Mo

dkbtimbo51 wrote on Jan 1, '08

Monique, Tony may have a long recovery yes, but as long as there is improvement on a daily bases then all is well. I, am, so happy to hear the nose bleeds have stopped. This too is a good sign. You are truly blessed with such a handsome man and a fighter. I know with time he will beat this and hopefully he will be home with you, where he belongs. Keep the faith because with all of us praying he will keep making progress. The power of prayer is amazing. How is his PT going? Has he regained any movement in his one arm? I sure hope so. Even the slightest would be a God send. I hope you and Tony have a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year. God bless you both. Love n' hugs, Donna

moscreations wrote on Jan 1, '08

Thank you Jules. The bleeding is more likely caused by the high does of Coumadin he had to take to counteract the other medication he was taking at the time, but it seems to have stabilized, so I'm happy about that. Thanks for the prayers, we sure need them!

Big hugs

Mo

hooverchild wrote on Dec 31, '07

Mo, I am so glad that your Christmas went well. (Besides the bleeding). I do hope that they can figure out why that is happening to Tony. Sweetie, you and Tony have my continued prayers. ((((((((((((((Mo))))))))))))))

moscreations wrote on Dec 31, '07

"Soon" is a long time away Les, but I can't wait for that moment :)

But he is doing better, a little every day :)

dreamyone wrote on Dec 30, '07

Oh good I'm so happy to hear that the bleeding has stopped.. Hopefully he'll now get to the finish line and come home with you soon.. Thinking of you hugs

Les

moscreations wrote on Dec 30, '07, edited on Dec 30, '07

Thanks Mindy. We did have a great Christmas dinner with the family, and they will do it again this New Year's day.

Thanks so much for caring and for your prayers, it means a lot to me.

Hoping that 2008 brings you lots of joy, health and happiness

Hugs

Mo

shepaintsthestars wrote on Dec 29, '07

Dear Mo...

Just stopping by to check on you and your husband, Tony. I was hoping that you both had a Blessed Christmas and from what I just read from your blog, it seems you had a wonderful day.

I hope you and Tony are doing well tonight. The New year has to bring some great news about Tony's health.

Please take care of you too Mo...It is easy to be so caring about other people that you get lost in the shuffle. God Bless You....I am thinking about and praying for you and Tony.

moscreations wrote on Dec 29, '07

Thanks Kori, it is a busy time of year, so I quite understand :)

The family will be doing it all over again for New Year's Day :)

Sure hope this next year will be a better one, not just for us, but for everyone!

Hugs

Mo

moscreations wrote on Dec 29, '07

Thanks Leslie, though I didn't make the theme - just no time for that these days, I thought it was a cute one and fitting for New Year and winter and all, I was getting tired of the old one.......lol

The bleeding finally stopped, keeping fingers crossed it stays that way.

Hugs back to you dear friend

dreamyone wrote on Dec 29, '07

moscreations said

Yes Kanda in one of the picture you can actually see the stuff they put in his nose, it was sticking out of the nostril and did have blood on it, I couldn't do anything about that, and didn't bother to "fix" the picture :)

Thanks Les, he is on blood thinners, but then again he's been on those since his operation back in 1995, but now since his stroke and when they discovered he had MRSA he was on antibiotics that was affecting the Coumadin and they had to give him the highest dose, which is 20mg, now that those are finished with, they have to work on getting his INR back to where it belongs, but on Christmas it was still only at 1.8 where it should be between 2.5 and 3.5, and that means his blood is too thick, but maybe the high does still contributes to the bleeds, he can't breathe properly with the stuffing in there, I was just talking to him and it's really bothering him. I don't know what they'll do. Whenever they do take it out, he gets a bleed eventually!.

Thanks Moe, it certainly made Tony's day and mine too :)

First off Mo I have to tell you I'm in love with this background and theme you have here this is too cute for words. Anyway just checking in to see how Tony and you are doing..I feel so bad for him that he's got to have that stuffing in there I can't even imagine what that must feel like.

big hugs hope today will be a better one up there

bubbly94 wrote on Dec 29, '07

Mo,

Wanted to check and see how you and Tony were doing. I've been so busy and I kept remembering when I wasn't at the computer, then forgetting to stop by when I was on the computer! So glad to see he is getting better! I was afraid the news would be worse. It sounds like you had a very touching Christmas, I hope your New Years goes even better!!

Hugs,

Kori

moscreations wrote on Dec 27, '07

Thank you Donna. Christmas was really great to be all together again, and on New Year's day they will do it all over again :) I hadn't expected they would do it again so soon, but that is the tradition in the family.

Yes he does look good close up Barbara and Suz, you can't tell he had a stroke, we are very grateful that things are going well for him. I am pretty tired, but since I don't go in the morning anymore, I can catch up on some sleep in the late morning, or at least I try to :) unless I have to run errands.

He did the right thing to get the care he needed Leanne :) they still don't know - or can't really confirm what is causing the bleeds, but one has to think it's the Coumadin, but his INR is still not right, so his blood is actually too thick, so I really don't know if that is the problem.

mustlovepugs wrote on Dec 27, '07

Reminds me of when I was just a girl and my stepdad had a nose bleed that wouldn't quit. He was at the emergency room on some Air Force base we were at and they told him to take a seat and wait to see a Dr. Dad said he was bleeding profusely and wanted a Dr. right now! She told him again to wait and he took the rags away from his nose and, sure enough, bled profusely all over their nice clean floor. She got him a Dr. immediately. Don't recall why the bleed, but sure sounds like the meds are culprits for Tony, like Les was saying. Sure hope all is under control again, soon, and he's free just to work on therapy and get on home to you and little Tara.

osuzana wrote on Dec 27, '07

I'm glad everything went so well and he had family around him. He really looks good mos. Doesn't look like there is anything wrong with him.

barbarab1313 wrote on Dec 27, '07

Tony looks really good despite everything. Glad the Christmas party went well but you must be runned ragged. I hope you get some rest.

You and Tony are always in my prayers. (((HUGS)))

dkbtimbo51 wrote on Dec 27, '07

Hi Monique. Sorry to hear about the nose bleeds. I do hope they can find the cause. Happy to hear Tony had a good Christmas and yourself. So nice that he was surrounded by family and friends, and you. Keeping him in my daily prayers. Love n hugs, Donna

moscreations wrote on Dec 27, '07

Yes Kanda in one of the picture you can actually see the stuff they put in his nose, it was sticking out of the nostril and did have blood on it, I couldn't do anything about that, and didn't bother to "fix" the picture :)

Thanks Les, he is on blood thinners, but then again he's been on those since his operation back in 1995, but now since his stroke and when they discovered he had MRSA he was on antibiotics that was affecting the Coumadin and they had to give him the highest dose, which is 20mg, now that those are finished with, they have to work on getting his INR back to where it belongs, but on Christmas it was still only at 1.8 where it should be between 2.5 and 3.5, and that means his blood is too thick, but maybe the high does still contributes to the bleeds, he can't breathe properly with the stuffing in there, I was just talking to him and it's really bothering him. I don't know what they'll do. Whenever they do take it out, he gets a bleed eventually!.

Thanks Moe, it certainly made Tony's day and mine too :)

moezie wrote on Dec 27, '07

oh mo i'm so happy xmas day was so wonderful for you and tony ((((((hugs)))))) xoxox

dreamyone wrote on Dec 27, '07

I wonder Mo, if they are giving him blood thinners to prevent clots and and if that has something to do with the nose bleeds.. I remember long ago when my mother was in the hospital with Cancer they gave her blood thinner to prevent clots in her legs and such and that of course made it so her blood would not coagulant as well, so she then had terrible nose bleeds. However with her they did end up cauterize her, which believe me was extremely painful. Anyway so glad that Tony's bleeding got under control and that he was able to have a wonderful Christmas dinner with you and your family and friends. Sounds like you had a heavenly menu of great tasting goodies.. thanks for the photos I've been really enjoying them

kandaphati wrote on Dec 26, '07

I was wondering earlier what it was on Tony's nose. Hope the bleeding does not happen often. Thanks so much for posting the pics. It was good to hear from you with great details. Will miss you (from tomorrow afternoon~).

Merry Christmas and more :)

Originally published on Multiply, December 23rd, 2007


OMG I couldn't believe I hadn't blogged in 7 days!!! I guess the days are running in to each other, some days are pretty much carbon copy as the others, and I suppose that is one reason I don't blog as much as before, and the other is that I'm tired and when I get home, I just crash and sit in front of the TV, watch a bit of it and fall asleep to awaken late in the night and make my way to bed. I the morning I try to get through the email, but some days there are just too many and I don't have the time to blog and my energy is drained by then.

But I did want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that 2008 brings more joy, happiness and that it will be a healthier New Year. And for those who don't celebrate Christmas:

There isn't a whole lot to report about Tony right now, the physio-therapist had said that the plan for the next 2 weeks is to enable him to get up from the bed on his own to the wheelchair, and to do some other simple tasks on his own, such as putting the sling on his right arm by himself. It has to be put on every time he has to move from one place to another, so that it doesn't just dangle or hit something as he still cannot control movements on it.

Of course being the Holiday season, there is less therapy going on, none on Christmas day or boxing day, and the same for New Year's day and the next day. So he needs to do his own exercises on those days.

Yesterday was a busy day visitors wise, I had to go out and run some errands for him, for things he needed, while I was out his brother and sister-in-law came to visit, first time they had come since he moved there on December 10th. They stayed a couple of hours I think, lucky they were still there when I arrived because I needed help to bring some stuff upstairs. specially the bottled water I had bought at Walmart, a case of 24, plus other bags, a bit much on my own, so I would have had to make a few trips.

His boss came to visit also in the afternoon with his wife. It was also his first time visiting him since he was in the hospital. And Tony's sister and her hubby came around 6pm I think. She had brought some butter tarts and chocolate chip cookies, mmmmmmm :) Tony loves butter tarts, when he was young his mom used to make huge batches and freeze them, he would just go in the freezer and eat them frozen - there were no microwaves in those days......lol.

My cold finally caught up with me this week too. And on Friday night I only slept 2 hours, and those were sitting in the recliner "watching" tv. When I woke up, I went to bed and couldn't sleep a wink, so after 2 hours of tossing and turning, I finally got up and went downstairs to watch "General Hospital" which had been recorded since Tony was hospitalized but I hadn't seen them yet, I thought I would watch some and fall asleep, but no, sleep escaped me altogether and I watched all the episodes!!! I think the reason was that I had taken Benylin DM and that probably reacted like I was on speed of something and I couldn't sleep. I went through the day ok, but by 7pm I was really getting tired, so I left the rehab early, but his sister was still there, so he had company for a while longer. I came home, had a bowl of cereal (I hadn't had any supper) and took my night pills and went straight to bed. I was up around 3am to go to the bathroom and went back to sleep until about 6am, but only got up at 7am because Miss Tara wanted to be let out and be fed.....lol.....so I'm pretty well rested now.

On Christmas day the family will be coming to the center with all the food for Christmas dinner, we will be using the cafeteria, which is not being used at night anyway. Since they had a stove we will be able to reheat the food in there. my sister-in-law Ginette will be making the turkey ahead and bring it sliced with all the trimmings for a near traditional Christmas dinner. Tony was very happy to hear that, it will be nice to have everyone around.

2 of our nieces haven't seen him since he was hospitalized, so they will see a big change, because he's lost 20 lbs (9 KG) since he first went in the hospital. Me thinks his pants won't fit him anymore.....lol.....at the rehab they prefer if patients wear jogging pants as it is easier for them to get dressed and easier on the nurses and orderlies too.

His biggest problem right now is sitting in the wheelchair. Because he's sooooooooooo tall - so everyone keeps saying over there (he's 6 ft 2" - not a giant), and most people there are on the small side, they don't have a wheelchair deep enough or high enough to accommodate him, so they have to add cushions on the seat to sit him higher and he has an Obus form cushion on his back for more support, which sounds great, but that cushion also cuts off some part of the seat, so he can't sit there for long periods, as it cuts his circulation on his thighs and his back hurts, and they can't do anything about it! Short of getting a wheelchair made to measure, of course we DON'T want that, that would mean we are giving in to a life IN a wheelchair and he will be able to walk freely some days, but right now he needs help. But it WILL happen!! Nurses take him for his walk around the 3rd floor, yesterday we walked around twice, which was good. On Friday night he went on to walk 70 metres  (230 feet) but yesterday when I was there he wasn't quite as steady, and didn't walk quite as far. He just needs time and practice, and it will happen!

OK, enough rambling for now, I know that Pat is up now, she was in the shower, I'll have to take mine later because there won't be any hot water left...lol..but that's ok. I have to call Tony now, it's just after 8am, and then we'll get some breakfast and plan the day :)

Here's my Christmas wishes for you - I got this in an email from a friend :)

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Wishing you the very best for 2008

moscreations wrote on Dec 26, '07

Thank you Nancy and also thanks for your participation in the group, don't know when I'll be able to get back in there :) Hugs back to you

You're very welcome Barb, I took some pics and will upload these in the photos section :) Tony really enjoyed this but it did tire him too

Hi Les, thanks for the positive thinking sweetie. I keep telling him not to worry too much that he's not comfortable in that wheelchair, he won't be in it forever. Glad you liked the recipes :) I should add more when I have more time on my hands.......lol.........that's kind of lacking right now and no time to cook either...lol

Hugs back at ya :)

nanatimes8 wrote on Dec 25, '07

Merry Christmas Mo, may you and your family be blessed with great things to come!!! Think and pray for you and Tony all the time!! Huggers

barb5t wrote on Dec 25, '07

Merry Christmas Mo and everyone!

Thanks for the update Mo. Your get together should be fun. It's nice you can use the kitchen and all eat there. That kind of support should do Tony a world of good.

dreamyone wrote on Dec 24, '07

Mo he'll be out of that chair in no time.... mark my words I was in them too and I had to go through tons of rehab I would get so down thinking that was going to be life.. but somehow we cope and get stronger and so many are praying for the two of you that it can bring nothing but the positive out..

Hey listen before i get off here.... damn!!!.. nummy love the recipes ... I know I won't be able to make them soon but hopefully someday I'll try some of these as I love to cook anyway big hugs again and thanks also for the greeting you sent from the aston college god that was beautiful!!.

Now as for you don't over do and get better... You can't burn the candle at both ends of the wick.. so take care of your cough and stay strong love you!!!!.. Merry Merry hugs Les

moscreations wrote on Dec 23, '07

That was done last year Kanda, sadly my computer is still our of commission, and I don't have the time anyway to create tags, though I did have I think at least 3 that were done, but I can't access them to upload :(

moscreations wrote on Dec 23, '07

what pics Kanda???

kandaphati wrote on Dec 23, '07

Could not see some of the pics in b/w but no worries.

kandaphati wrote on Dec 23, '07

Very nice GIF, Mo. When did you make it? Not recently I hope!

Glad to know you and Tony and family are going to have a party!

I hope Tony gets rid of the wheelchair soon.

I hope the cold bug leaves all of you soon.

Happy party! Please take care!

moscreations wrote on Dec 23, '07

Thank you MOM, and I wish you the same, a Happy and Healthy New Year to you too. Hugs

Thanks Les, I hope YOU are also doing better soon and get rid of this trach. Merry Christmas dear Les. Hugs

You should have heard us today Barbara.....lol...both coughing our heads off - I would say that Pat must be coughing up a lung.......lol. Thanks for the good wishes and I hope you and Bob have a great Christmas too. It will be nice to have everyone together at Christmas. Hugs

Thanks Suz and I wish you a very Merry Christmas too! I could use some calm next year :)

osuzana wrote on Dec 23, '07

Sounds like you have all your ducks in a row. I'm glad everyone is going to eat together. Merry Christmas Mo. Hoping you have peace and a calm new year.

barbarab1313 wrote on Dec 23, '07

Hope that nasty cold leaves you soon. Glad that Tony will be having his Christmas dinner with his family even if it is in rehab.

I wish you all the best in 2008, health wise especially for you and Tony.

Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(((HUGS)))

dreamyone wrote on Dec 23, '07

Merry Christmas Mo, I'm so happy to hear that Tony is doing so much better, but sorry to hear that you've had problems sleeping and also having a cold to boot.. no fun!.. I hope you'll get better soon.

Just wanted to pop in and see how Tony was doing and also check on you and wish you the very best... I will keep praying for you both... big hugs Leslie

mombaker wrote on Dec 23, '07

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year. God Bless, MOM

Christmas Blessings

Originally published on Multiply December 11th 2006

Christmas Blessings

Dear Lord, I'm feeling down today, 

The bills are stacked up high; 

With Christmas just two weeks away, 

Our bank account's run dry.

The kids have all presented lists 

Of things they want to see; 

I hope and pray there's nothing missed 

Beneath our Christmas tree.

But I don't have the money for 

Expensive clothes and toys; 

My credit card can't take much more, 

Lord, where's my Christmas joy?

Perhaps it's wrapped up in that hug 

My daughter gave this morn; 

Or stacked with wood my son did lug 

To keep us nice and warm.

Perhaps it's in my oldest's eyes 

When he comes home on break, 

And sees I've baked those pumpkin pies H

He wanted me to make.

Perhaps it's in the tired lines 

Around my husband's eyes; 

Perhaps in love that's grown with time 

I've found the greater prize.

A friend who gives a hearty smile, 

And cupboards that aren't bare; 

And, even if they aren't in style, 

I've got some clothes to wear.

A family who believes in me 

In all things great and small; 

Dear God, I think I finally see - 

I am not poor at all!

The "W" in Christmas

Originally published December 12th, 2006

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.

Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

Christmas Poem

Originally published on Multiply on December 11th, 2006

Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.

So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30th Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One

Al Taqqadum, Iraq 

Just One More Day

Originally published on Multiply December 9th. 2006

A Letter To Santa Claus

The following letter was found in the 'Letters To Santa's box at the Post Office in Thompson Falls, Montana.

Dear Santa:

What do I ask this year? I have perused each ad in my mailbox, pored over the colorful ads in the newspaper. So many lovely things, and yet I need nothing.

I realize this as I walk up the hill on my strong legs. I can hear the air fill my lungs. I feel the cold on my cheeks. I smell the smoke of the fire that warms my home. I see the snow-capped mountains and the slate gray river peppered with fat geese.

I need nothing: there are people who love me. There are people who forgive my sometimes wretched temper and who touch me with loving hands. There are neighbors who smile in the store. There are shopkeepers who are tolerant when I don' have enough money. There are kind faces in public places.

There is a fat pregnant cat who sneaks into my garage. Dogs and other cats share my hearth; I love to feel their fur with my feet. There are hawks that teach their young of flight, right there behind my house. There are deer that tiptoe into my yard and savor the fat apples in the snow.

Rows of glassed vegetables; green beans, tomatoes, peas and carrots color my pantry. And a rusty bucket of hand tools and neatly dried seeds promises next year's riches.

I need nothing! Christmas promises already fulfilled redeem my foolish life, and occasionally I glimpse the feast that awaits me when this earthly one is done.

Today I discovered a hole in my jeans. I felt the December air slither down my leg. How mighty is the hand that sweeps the wind along the mountains. Santa, dear old soul, just give me another day like this one in my life