Christmas (aka Close Encounters of the Holiday Kind)
More than several people have e-mailed to find out how mom is doing and how the holidays were for her. Christmas was a poignant time for us all. Each one of us was deeply moved and affected by mom's presence at home with us this year. Quite honestly, the holiday was a wonderful, difficult, vulnerable, and magical time for each of us, each in our own way and from our own perspective. It's been a long haul these last 18 months but all worth the while.
We all spent Christmas Day and Christmas Eve at mom and dad's as we usually do. We decided to order in on Christmas Eve and brought the food Christmas Day. Mom and Dad's house is tiny and cramped to say the least, so there are people in every nook and cranny!! Over the course of the two days, Claudia played Christmas carols on her guitar and we sang with mom, we watched Christmas movies, while others watched ball games or played video games in a different room, and we ate and played board games as well. A typical family holiday once again.
We went to church all together on Christmas Eve and found a beautiful surprise in the bulletin. One of mom's dear friends wrote a column which would be present in the bulletin for the entirety of the holiday weekend. Here is what she wrote:
Let's Talk by Flo
Dorothy (Dotty)
This is a season of faith, love, and yes, even miracles. today i bring you a story about one of our parishioners, Dotty, who in June of 2010 suffered a brain aneurysm followed shortly thereafter by a stroke. Dotty's medical journey began at [a local hospital]; and from there, she has gone on to be a patient at [a local skilled nursing facility].
Dotty and Jean and their four children, Kathy, Terry, Anthony and Claudia have been very active parishioners since the inception of our parish. prior to becoming ill, Dotty had taken an active role in our church choir as a choir member and as a cantor. Dotty had also been a lector. Both Dotty and Jean have taught Religious education classes, and Jean ushers at the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday.
As you can see, Dotty and Jean have always led by example; and their children have followed in their footsteps working and praying for the success of our parish. as an example, Claudia and her husband have enjoyed working with the younger parishioners by helping them put on plays while Terry was an active volunteer at Christa House.
In the early stages of Dotty's medical problems, doctors were uncertain as to her outcome. For a few months, Dotty was in a coma; and she was on a ventilator in order to breathe. fortunately for Dotty, her family has never given up hope. They adorned her room with family pictures, spiritual quotations and many educational activities that would prove to be advantageous to her recovery. every night Dotty's children would e-mail relatives and friends about her daily progress. In turn, those loved ones would send out the e-mail to so many of you who continually pray for her speedy recovery.
I must say that Dotty's family has taken the word ['advocacy' to a new level. they question her care, document her progress and they have learned how to work with her physically and mentally. The [family], including the grandchildren, are always at her side encouraging her and filling her heart with so much love. I once told her daughter that "We don't know what life has in store for us; however, you have all certainly stepped up to the plate dedicating your time, talents and love in order to ensure a bright future for your wife, mother, grandmother."
Although Dotty has gone through many ups and downs on her journey, today she is able to stand, to speak, to recognize people and to feel the love that surrounds her. Dotty's family is now praying that in the not too distant future they will be able to bring her home.
This family is truly an inspiration for all of us to emulate. We must continue to trust in God, keep the faith and never give up hope. Remember, 'Don't quit five minutes before the miracle happens."
The pastor spoke about many topics in his homily and mentioned mom and her story among them. It was a deeply touching moment for us all. It was wonderful to be sitting with mom at church again and singing hymns and praying together with her. There was no other great feeling like it. We all thanked God that mom with us. She was home at last...with us...together again. What a blessing it was.
Thank you all for your continued support in prayer. We pray for you all as well. On this eve of the New Year, we offer you the prayer of our family that we used to offer every evening at the dinner table: May God keep you and yours "happy, healthy, and holy" in the year to come.
‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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