| OCR Text |
Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - Page 16 Memories of Christmas past the toys my children had loved Christmas for those who have when they were little were lost a dear one. As time goes pulled out onto the floor. Look, theres my Black by one can push the pain and heartache away and get on Swan, Cinda said. No, that with life but special days in- was mine, Cheri insisted. No, mine has this sparkly coltensify the sorrow that will lar. I remember I thought the never fade. Its been ten years since we shiny things were diamonds. were all together. Donna came Your swan didnt have a from Santa Barsparkly collar... Paul was examinbara and Cinda from northern ing the small cars. This was my very California. Cheri onlheMESA favorite. drove down from See, the door opens, he said. by Doris Valle Denver with her A dark cloud settles over Musings small daughter, Deanna, and Paul and Dor- othy came up from Albuquerque. The Shih Tzus were part of the party - my Gus, Paul and Dorothys Lily, and Cindas LaRue. Donna brought Baby, a large mixed breed, about the size of a small Shetland pony. Deanna was not sure she approved of Baby. No Baby! Mama Dog, she said. On Christinas Day we had opened presents and eaten breakfast but boxes and wrap- ping paper still littered kitchen and family room. The little dogs were Donna had pulled out of the doll box everything and was trying clothes on the Barbie dolls until she got bored and decided to go for a walk. Somebody find my shoe. I cant go for a walk with one shoe. We should all go outside and get some exercise. There had been snow showers all day and no one else was interested in leaving the warm house, but Donna and I walked down to the river and watched the water flow slowly by, carrying bits of ice as it went on ing the paper pre- sents - those squeaky rubber things small dogs love. We called them Three small dogs squeaking their toys at once made a lot of noise. Someone take that away from Lily, Paul said. Shes driving me crazy. A few days later when everyone had left I found a wek-wein a kitchen cabinet and another in the utility drawer. I felt things were going too far when I came across the one stored in the flour canister. wek-wek- s. wek-we- k k I dont know who remem- bered the three big boxes of my Grandmother Kits which were stored in the attic but the boxes were brought out and Gift bara and Cinda drove down from northern California with a small tree and decorations. We had gifts and, as always, hung up stockings for Santa to fill. We tried hard to have a fes- tive holiday and Donna was cheerful and optimistic. And I kept smiling, although I felt like crying when I saw my daughter, thin and frail, with a turban around her head because her long blonde hair had fallen out due to chemotherapy. On Christmas Day Cinda went home and Donna and I boarded a plane in the early morning en route to the hospital in Chicago for Donnas fourth and final chemo session. Certificates Fresfi Live Wreaths, Holiday Bafced . Saidwicfies Drnks Goodies C CK Open: Sunday, 7 am - pm Monday thru Saturday, 7 am 5 pm 516 North Main cold cuts and salads and cook- ies down the hall where those on duty had celebrated the holiday. I foraged and brought Donna food. I knew that after the chemo started dripping into her veins that night she would not be able to manage any food for nine days. But she was too tired to eat. Since that was my fourth trip to Chicago I knew the rou We always gave up and called they had The cancer ward was festively decorated that Christmas Day. Red and green garlands and tinsel and small silver bells. A fat Santa sitting on the counter at the nurses station. I would have found it easier to bear that night if I had not seen the gay decorations all up and down the halls. I until I dry room. Fortunately, brought my cot and set it up in the corner of Donnas room but I needed blankets and a pillow and more blankets and pillows for Donna. She would get so cold, shaking with cold, a couple of hours after the chemo started so I was prepared when she said, Mother put more blankets on the nurse for an injection to control her reaction. me . Not that they did much good. UTAH NAVAJO HEALTH SYSTEM IS EXPANDING THEIR HOURS MONTEZUMA CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER TO ACCOMODATE THE PATEINTS NEEDS AT BLAND ING FAMILY PRACTICE & My beloved Donna was diagnosed with Metas- tasized Melanoma three months later. When Christmas came again she was too sick to travel. I flew to Santa Bar- they were also enjoying their Christmas tray service but there were wandered around found the Clean Laun- tine and its way. having a wonderful time crawling in and out of the boxes and toss- around. Unfortunately, A nurse put Donna to bed and told me that there was no Monticello 435-587-50- 63 COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE DISCOUNT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE |
