Merry Christmas

And it is merry...there is life and love everywhere. I can enjoy it, since I don't have to go to work today. That itself is a wonderful gift. Thanks, Boss!

Recently, we sent one of our cancer patients to the hospice unit. He came back today. He always talks to me when he sees me, because I admitted him to the Hotel when he came to us from Washington.

He was all smiles. From the looks of him, you'd never know he was dying. He was all bundled up in his wheelchair with a seasonal green corduroy baseball cap atop his head. He was happy. He was even more happy when the nurse behind the desk found his smokes. Now he can go to the smoking area and light up. He wished us a Merry Christmas and went on his way.

Our other cancer patient will get treatment until next week. After that, he's going home. Meanwhile, he left today to go spend time with his family. He is such a sweet, kind man. No matter what, we will miss him. He's become our mascot of sorts. He has a gentle personality and a wobbly gait, but we've grown to love him (we don't get too many walking patients). Many of our patients are very angry when they come to us for multiple reasons, but not this character. Despite everything that has happened in his world, he is kind and gentle. He gets up in his wheelchair and rolls next door to see his neighbor every day. The end of the year draws closer and his discharge date is coming. We will miss him.

More later...have yourself a Merry holiday today!