Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday the next shopping enticement is the after Christmas sale. This subject came up as I visited with Beth last week and we discussed the festivities of the holidays. Its been a challenging six months with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer for this lovely 62 year old. She had great joy visiting with family including several grandchildren- fully aware that next Christmas may be quite different.
“Doc, listen to this: I found a way to express faith that this year will go well for me. I went after- Christmas shopping and bought beautiful cards and ornaments. I especially like the ones with this year’s date because it’s a time I will never forget”. Beth is doing well and her last scan was stable if not improved. “Doc, my sale shopping gave me something tangible. Each time I look into the closet, I will see a sign of my faith”. I ask if I can share her unique idea with others. She said that when she didn’t have strength, she believed there was a mission for her to complete, even if just to inspire others. “I made a decision to write out my cards now for next year. I can enjoy crafting a note of love to my family and friends and if I am unable, then I will ask my husband to mail them next Christmas. Won’t everyone be surprised?!” I thought, what courage!
“After all Doc, what’s the sense of buying something on sale then not using it? That would be throwing money away and I’ve always been thrifty. I often look through my box of treasures and mementos. I like sending something tangible- people aren’t going to store emails for years. As I go through boxes of pictures and reminisce, I pull out pics to tuck into the cards too. What do you think?”
“Beth, every card you send will be a gift to your loved ones, so I agree the idea is wonderful.” Writing good wishes and sending love to others is a clever way for Beth to boost her immune system, perhaps enough for her to mail them herself next year. Never doubt the value of faith and hope. We cannot buy them; we cannot invest in them; and we cannot gift them to someone. We can only feel and believe. Faith and hope are never on sale but always priceless.