The day after Christmas...

Another holiday season has passed, another Christmas without our baby. It was difficult as we looked around and saw happy families sharing the joy of the season with a new life. Pat and I talk almost daily about our dream to be able to concieve. Something a few years ago I took so for granted, now is such an unattainable dream, and it is very painful for us.

We did get to watch the joy on our three children's faces as they opened their gifts from Santa. It really does take so little to make children happy, and the holidays are truely proof of that. I think my youngest said it best, when he wrote to Santa that "Christmas is my favorite time of year because it is a family time of year." Sometimes it amazes me that he is only six years old, because he speaks with a wisdom of many more years.

This holiday was difficult for me for another reason. Last Monday we recieved a phone call from a client of mine (I am an advertising representative). Suddenly a client of mine passed away. My client was a healthy 49 year old man, very active in the community, but most of all, he was a husband to a loving wife and a devoted father to a boy in his early teens. Although I had known Bobby* for a brief time, he was fun and always made me laugh. My husband's family has known Bobby for years and I think his death hit them harder. I feel so badly for Bobby's family, and I know this holiday was very difficult for them with Bobby's death so close to Christmas.

Hold those you love tightly, and my holiday wish to all who are reading this is happiness, health and a wonderful season with all you love!

Jennifer

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the family.