Tis' the Season

This time of year is my favorite. The holidays always bring a sense of romance to me--not in the lovey, dovey sense but in the tradition, nostalgic sense. I love getting together with family and catching up on what has been happening, cooking all the meals and treats with my Mom, decorating the house, the sounds of Christmas songs through out the house, wrapping presents, looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve with my family, and starting the new tradition of reading The Polar Express to my niece.

This Saturday is the Montgomery Christmas--Mom's side of the family--which will be a blast. For those who do not know, my Mom has 10 silbings, which makes for a very large family. Each year we all get together (now granted, not everyone is there due to other family events, but it still is at least 50 of us) and have a wonderful time.

I am thrilled that this year I get a week off for vacation (last year only one day due to I just started with the company and did not get vacation yet). There is something about it that just means a lot to me. I am beginning to understand when my Dad says the only Christmas present he wants is for my sister and I to be home for the holidays. I guess as I grow up (yes, I am still growing up, we never stop) understand more and more what my parents have taught me.

I am very thankful that this past year gave us wonderful news. This time last year was a scary time. Dad was diagnosed with skin cancer and we thought it was all removed and nothing too serious was happening. Then come Feberary, we received news that the cancer has spread to his nasel cavity and there was nothing they could do because the cancer would kill him and so would surgery. Thankfully, he had wonderful doctors that were willing to take a risk and do chemo and radiation anyways. The treatments worked! This was the first time chemo and radiation were done for a patient who had this type of cancer, normaly they do not do treatment because within 6 months the person dies. I know it was hard on Dad and not a pleasent time, but as we tell him, maybe now they will start helping others with the same situation instead of doing nothing. One of his doctors has been following his case and is writing a paper on it. Amazing stuff!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's!!!