the most wonderful time of the year?

How sad is it that I have begun to dread November and December? I feel like holding my breath, crossing my fingers, and closing my eyes until Christmas. These months have brought the greatest pain to me and my family over the last five years. Each November and/or December has brought serious challenges for my family - surgeries, job loss, cancer diagnosis, death, addiction-related conflict, etc... It's no wonder that I go into a winter coma each year, and my friends have to drag me out of my funk come Spring.

I had hoped that 2012 would be different, but I am sad to say that it's more of the same. We recently learned that John's mom has cancer. Unfortunately, this is not an unfamiliar road for John. He lost his father to cancer when he was a teenager. His mom will begin six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy starting next week - Monday through Friday, right through the holidays.

Since my last post about my Dad, he has stopped working and became a grandfather. To say he is doing better is the understatement of the century! We were also happy with the results of his recent scan.
 

Cancer is not the c-word you are accustomed to hearing about this time of year, but cancer knows no boundaries. This disease really creates a loneliness that can't be explained - and for many, is probably exaggerated around the holidays. Loneliness for those afflicted, and for their caregivers and loved ones too. It doesn't matter how loved you are or how great your support system is, people do back off when someone gets cancer. Sometimes, it's just too heavy. Sometimes I think people are afraid the bad news will rub off on them.

In the last months, my Dad has found great peace, community, and comfort at Gilda's Club. Gilda's Club aims to build community, "so that no one faces cancer alone." The mission of Gilda's Club Kansas City is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

Many people ask me how they can help our family, and this is one way. If you are looking to make a donation during this holiday season, please consider giving to Gilda's Club.