Thirty years of sitting on the rolling stool in Exam room #1 has revealed so much and especially at holiday times. It taught me that people will drop everything to rush to the aid of a loved one. The cookies won’t be made, the tree will wait, the gifting put aside, because everyone realizes in the blink of an eye, what the true and heart felt gift should be.

I am holding Carla’s hand. She is not the patient. She flew in from California this week to help rescue her daughter. Lizzie is a single mother of two young teens whose husband died in the service. The stress must be a culprit because at age 42 she has wide spread cancer- not responding to chemo or even immuno therapy. She is here to see if radiation can give some symptom relief- control not possible. All of our hearts are breaking, but she is stoic and determined. A woman to be admired- not whiny, woe is me, but fierce in the face of this sad adventure. The support means everything and she is relieved Mom will care for them all.

Everyday I am amazed by the true spirit of giving. The unselfishness of hearts. These patients, family and friends touch me and all of us with their generosity. From their love and devotion, we all are raised to a higher level.

There are many of your own family and friends who have come to your aid and you have reached out your own hand to several over the years. Traditions may change with tragedy, but the blessing remains. Whatever your own plans this holiday, rest assured that you have in your lifetime been and continue to be a blessing to others and that is the true and only real celebration we need.

God Bless you, your families and friends.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah.