Merry Christmas

It was surreal today waking up in the hospital on Christmas. Last night I had got up and wandered the empty halls of the hospital and thought about what it would be like the next morning. To my surprise the hospital was moving and shaking with more Christmas morning excitement than I had anticipated. Many of the nurses were shuffling in and out of the rooms delivering donated presents while tending to bedside needs. One of the nurses came in, stood by our window and asked me to come over to take a look. I did so, and what I saw was nothing unusual for a Christmas morning, just an empty parking lot. The nurse then said, " that's the ER parking lot, and come noon, it won't be empty anymore." He then said that today is one of the busiest times of the year for the ER due to gifts that give people the guts to do things they wouldn't do any other day in the year. Upon the twelve O clock hour, I peered out the window and sure enough it was full.

Natalie woke up with the usual nausea this morning. I really hoped that it would pass for a little while so that she could enjoy opening her presents. Luckily there was a window of normalcy for her as she opened the gifts given to her. It really was a good moment in time seeing the medical bed covered in torn wrapping paper and Natalie smiling in the middle of it all. Seeing your children happy really is something in, and of it self as being one of the true mediums of satisfaction for me as a parent, especially this year. Much of that happiness I feel is owed to all of you who helped us out with Christmas this year. We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity on behalf of making our children comfortable and happy. We love you and wish that some day we can show the appropriate gratitude for your kindness.

Tyler