Holidaze

As so many of have been asking, I wanted to give a quick update on Allan's condition. He is still in a coma, which is helpful for keeping pressure on his brain to a minimum. Tomorrow it will be two weeks since the aneurysm burst, an important milestone, since doctors have said the first 10-14 days are crucial. Doctors will keep him in the coma for several more days, but for now he is stable, which is the best we can ask for at this point. I hope to pay a visit in the next few weeks and offer up whatever emotional support I can provide Michele.

At this very moment, Phoebe is being stripped of her womanhood (i.e., being spayed), while I fret over whether or not she'll want anything to do with me once I retrieve her from the clutches of the needle-wielding vet. I did learn that she's probably closer to 6 months than a year, which makes sense, seeing how tiny she is. And last night she ventured up onto the bed (as opposed to huddled beneath it) for the first time. I'm sure you're enthralled by this news.

This week I learned that unplanned gift-giving is inevitable when you surround yourself with lovely people who lavish you unexpectedly with gifts. Regardless of being suddenly faced with the responsibility of reciprocation, last-minute runs to Target are ill-advised (and almost unsurvivable). But, alas, what else can one do? 'Tis the season to be shopping, after all.

And to think, that silly Pope called for an end to the commercialism of Christmas and a return to worship and recognition of the religious significance of the holiday. What a Scrooge.

I have also recently concluded that it's especially appropriate to envy children at this time of year. Children at Christmas are like grooms on their wedding day... all they really have to do is show up. True, grooms have to go to the trouble of shaving and dressing themselves in attire that doesn't include flannel. But kids? Their parents brave the ludicrous shopping cesspool while all the lucky little young'ns need to do each year is simply show up, smile and warm hearts. And, one would hope, say "Thank you." Bless 'em.

Posted by ayelet at December 23, 2004 10:06 AM