'Tis the Season

Those who know me know that I love Christmas.  Love it.  And not just because the amount of Wham! on the radio increases exponentially during this season.  I’ve always enjoyed the whole experience, from cutting down a tree, to giving gifts to, all while spending time with family and friends. 

This year has been a Christmas like no other.  I’ll be honest in saying that there has been a certain amount of feeling sorry for myself.  However, the free time that I’ve had has also made me realize what’s really important.  Now, I’m not going to claim that one viewing of “A Christmas Carol” has turned my into Bob Cratchit, saying that we’re the richest people in town because of the strength of our family, but a couple events over the past few weeks have reinforced how lucky we are. 

I’ve recently increased my work as a volunteer board member for a local non-profit agency that helps people buy homes, many of which are in the central city and owned by banks or the city as a result of foreclosure.  The people we assist work their asses off to create a home for their family – 2^nd jobs, 3^rd jobs, sweat equity in the home repairs.  Home ownership is something many of them never thought was possible, and will likely be highlight of not only their year, but likely their life. 

Yesterday, I attended a workforce education seminar that is required by the state office that administers unemployment.  Basically, it’s a workshop to make sure people know of all the resources that are available to job seekers.  Having worked for one of those resources many years ago, I was familiar with many of the programs, but it was still striking to be reminded of the challenges that many job seekers face.  While constantly seeking to expand my network of contacts sometimes feels tedious and frustrating, I can’t imagine having to spend the morning taking multiple busses just to get to a library or job center to use a computer.

Many people have asked how they can help us through this difficult time.  If you really want to help, please do something for someone who really needs it.  That’s not this family.  Put a toy in the Toys for Tots bin, volunteer some time at a food pantry, or just drop some change in the kettle.  Sometimes we all forget (and I’m including myself here) that if you’re reading this on your iPhone, in a warm house, or with a $4 latte in your hand, you’re in a better spot than the majority of the world.

Finally, an update on the big things – as I type this, Jacque is at whole-brain radiation appointment #13 (of 15).  So far, so good, with minimal side effects.  We won’t know the success of this until her next scan, scheduled for early February, but we’re hopeful that the radiation and clinical trial drugs are working their own Festivus miracle as we speak.  My job search is coming along, the aforementioned non-profit board / volunteer work may lead to some actual (read: paying) job opportunities.  I’m excited that I might be able to turn this work that is personally fulfilling to me into a career.  Stay tuned.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice or other non-denominational winter celebration of your choice!  I’ve never been a religious man, but maybe Tiny Tim was onto something: “God bless us, every one!”