Ha! Who would have ever thought of that for a Hallmark card? Or, American Greetings? I am after all in Cleveland! Having experienced Chemo Holidays, I can assure you that the holidays can be very warm and festive on chemotherapy.
Being a Jew by Choice, I was raised Catholic and my daughter gets to do the double holiday thing, but rarely simultaneously. With Hanukkah’s first night falling on Christmas Eve this year, and 2nd Night on Christmas itself, we had a very rich celebration indeed. My daughter was particularly enthralled by the visual blend of both worlds.
Here is a link to a little video of Lighting The Candles for 2nd Night,
But the Holidays are all about Family, and I had all my sisters with me! Thanks Sister Sledge. In front of the Blue Hanukkah Bush. Right?
And my Dad, and his wife Wendy, and some new comers with family (always welcome!)
Matt & Tiff (family) Bookends Mike w/ family Julie and center Cortney w/ family Ben
And the Frenchies! Half family.
Our Cooks for Christmas Dinner, Leesa with helper Jack family, & Games Galore!
I baked up a storm! Hanukkah Cookies, Christmas Cookies and Apple Dumplings!
I was so fortunate as to have the Holiday weekend coincide with an end of cycle where I had energy and felt good and was truly able to enjoy the food, and join in festivities. I so enjoyed just being IN THE MOMENT. We joked about my occasional change of hair, and about the hair I SHOULD go out and get (blue, pink, red), and my lack of nasal hair, and about how much faster I could get dressed because of my options. We were all so happy to be able to be together. I’m a very lucky Chemo-Girl!
We all sang Christmas Carols, and for the first time, Rebecca played accompaniment to my Brother-In-Law Tom who leads with his guitar when we do sing a longs. They were really very good; few of the singers met their abilities!
Every greeting, every smile, every laugh, every quite moment of beauty was priceless. Happy Chemo Holidays to all my family and friends!
Truly truly amazing I love u
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Aww, thanks! X0
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Oh Lu,
Did you spend your birthday composing this wonderful blog? Thank you for capturing the amazing holiday celebrations. Thanks for sharing the Friday night festivities with us, too.
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Yes I did spend my birthday re-living the holiday fun and hearing everyone’s voices and laughs all over again! It was sublime.
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DEAR LU WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY YOU BROUGHT US IN TO SHARE YOUR WONDERFUL WEEKEND WITH YOUR WRITING I FELT LIKE I WAS THERE SHARING THE HOLIDAY LOVE YOU KEEP UP YOUR GOOD OUTLOOK
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Thank you for the sweet review of our family holiday. We enjoyed the melding of Christmas Eve and the first night of Hanukkah. We are all truly blessed.
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Rebecca’s violin music was a lovely addition to the song fest.
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What a great reminder to recognize and remember the wonderful moments that create the brighter side of life! Thank you for sharing your amazing family and moments!!
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Luann, here I am almost a month late and finally getting to read your last few blog posts. You chronicled a lovely holiday celebration and I’m already a little nostalgic for the fleeting season. But I’m so pleased you & Jerry, Rebecca came to my birthday party a month earlier, to spread the Gips magic. I hope the new year has gotten off to a good start and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks.
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