W ith the Christmas tree still standing — though no longer surrounded by sparkling gifts and overstuffed stockings — I have been keeping the wonders of Christmas still stirring with Christmas music quietly playing in the background as I once again read the holiday greetings that have come our way. Second readings also contain special gems of joy, sometimes missed at first and hurried readings.

Such was the case when re-reading this very special note from my brother’s daughter, “Bee” from Las Vegas. It was written on plain white paper with no colorful, printed verse, but it moved my mind and heart more than all the bells and whistles of the holiday season.
May it also move you as we appreciate our gifts of life.

“Hi Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill,
A Happy New Year! I actually started to write in long hand, but I think you can get a lot more said by typing. Thank you so much for our Christmas gift — way too generous.

We decided to use the money to take Tommy, the guy I work for, out to dinner at a local casino and then play BINGO! You see, I work part time for Tom, who is paralyzed from his neck down, but he can still use his arms. He is so amazing! He’s been in a wheelchair (motorized) for 23 years now and is a math teacher. He even has a special van, which allows him to drive himself to work. He lives so close to our house that I can easily walk the 3 and 1/2 blocks between us.

My routine is that I get him out of bed in the AM using a Hoya Lift (thank goodness for that), wheel him into the shower, and he is able to wash himself, shave, brush teeth and such. I then get him back into bed and get him dressed. The interesting part I have learned is putting on a catheter, which then connects to a tube, which he conceals in a large black bag in front of his chair. You can’t even tell he’s wearing one!

Normally my routine takes about two hours in the AM. It’s great because we start early in the morning and I’m usually back home by about 7:30. Then, I go back at night around 8 p.m. and it takes about an hour to put him to bed and back home by 9. It’s a lot to remember but he’s such a great guy that he won’t let you forget anything and puts you at ease. And talk about a sense of humor — that’s putting it mildly. We can have great serious conversation, and on the other hand, it seems every other sentence out of his mouth is a wisecrack or two.

The whole experience has just been great, not just for myself, for Art as well. He is the first to jump when Tom needs any extra assistance, such as changing a tire, helping pump gas, change the drinking water bottle, or whatever.

We’re still doing our thing on eBay and still paying our bills. It’s a fun job, each day is different and surprising. Certainly some weeks are much better than others, but we’re both still very thankful for what we have, especially each other. Can’t stand the cold weather, but I know I have nothing to complain about. We are anxious to get back on the golf course, but it’ll come soon enough.

Thank you again and all our love is sent, Bee and Art.”

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