Sad Christmas Memories

One Christmas Eve, after returning home from church, my wife, Sue and I received a call that my mother-in-law, Mona passed away. She had been admitted to a hospital in Birmingham, England for pneumonia, then suddenly died. It was a very sad holiday, especially for Sue who flew home to attend the funeral, while I looked after our children.

My dad, Jack had several transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and was recovering in a rehabilitation center in Greenwich, CT on Thanksgiving. My wife, 2 childtren and I, along with our Shih Tzu, Ti (a therapy dog) brought him a nice dinner. As we were leaving, there was a tear in his eye and he said: "I don't think I'm going to leave this place." I asked why? He said: "I just feel that way." He died the week before Christmas. I've learned over the years when a patient tells you he/she is going to die- believe him/her.

Due to the deaths of two close relatives around Christmas, for me there is a pall over this holiday, so I like to get through it as quickly as possible.