Tuesday night we went to Gilda’s Club where we met two other blood cancer patients and one spouse/caregiver. When we introduced ourselves to each other, George pointed to his wife and said, “She’s the victim,” to which she, Connie, took good-natured offense. He looked at us quizzically and seemed to ask, “Which one of you is the patient?” which may be a testament to Jeff’s fabulous appearance or my worse-for-the-wear visage. It is good for both Jeff and me to talk to people and discuss issues related to cancer because, as another cancer patient described it, sometimes your family and friends seem to want to think of it as over and done with. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Jeff’s physical therapy is going well. On Thursday he was able to lift his right arm - by itself, without using his left arm to raise it - and place it against the wall at higher than shoulder-height. After Jeff confessed that he doesn’t do his exercises at home very often, he asked Mike if he could schedule just one session between the holidays. Mike agreed to it only when Jeff promised to do his exercises at home. Whenever I remind him to exercise, he grunts as if to say, “but I don’t wanna.” Then, mostly, he does not exercise. Mike thinks he could have mobility and strength within a month if he works at it.
Jeff was looking forward to the Christmas Caroling Party at the Milionises’ this year. Last year the gang came caroling at our house but we did not attend the party because some of the guests had colds. It was a disappointment to miss it and that made Jeff’s anticipation of this year’s festivities more acute. Annie’s poem-invitation said there would be a special surprise this year! We wondered what the surprise would be! Jeff couldn’t wait to go Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood. It puts us in the Christmas spirit every year. Besides, there is always good food and good company afterwards. So, Thursday night we got in the car to drive the three blocks to Pete and Annie’s. We rounded the corner onto their street and there, in front of their house, was a wagon decorated with evergreen garland and red bows - and hitched to the front were two gorgeous Belgians with sleigh bells tinkling as they tossed their manes and chomped at their bits! Oh, what fun! Annie told us that, as a kid, this was how her family caroled and she wanted her family and friends to experience it. There were about 35 of us carolers and so, Annie told us, those under the age of 30 would ride for the first leg of the trip and we’d switch half-way through. Any infirmed could ride the whole way. I asked Jeff if he wanted to ride the whole way and he seemed almost insulted. Others joined in, “Jeff, you can ride!” He insisted he could walk, and so he did.
When the young people were loaded, we set off, the wagon driver calling, “Step up, Cutter! Step up, Duke!” We stopped, as usual, at homes that were decked out for Christmas. After a few stops, the wagon driver asked us how often we practiced. We laughed and told him “Once a year!” He was impressed because we have musicians in the group and so we have harmony. Just when I was beginning to think, “When is it our turn to ride?” riders and walkers switched places. I got on before Jeff and found a place to sit. Jeff was one of the last to load and when he got on he saw that there was still a spot next to me. He said, “I get to sit next to you!” I said, “Ooo! I was hoping you would!” We shared a blanket - more for the fun than for the cold.
Except for a little difficulty with walkers and riders singing in sync, I think we never sounded better. At least we never had so much fun caroling! After we had circled several blocks (our usual route plus a block or two), we returned to the Milionises’ house and took lots of pictures with Cutter and Duke. Once their bits were removed we could offer them apples and carrots. These are BIG work horses, weighing a ton each. They are adorably affectionate with each other and extremely well-trained. Interestingly, the young folk disappeared into the house for nourishment while the adults stayed outside, fascinated with the time it took to unhitch the team and remove their beautiful tack. It didn’t seem as though these tall, tall horses would fit into the horse trailer. The team was from Better Way Farm in Wrightstown. On the weekends they offer rides through the light show at Shady Brook Farm.
Several of the guests remarked that Jeff has been on their church’s prayer list this year. They, like everyone else, commented on his good looks. It is always nice to have an opportunity to thank people for their prayers.
Leave it to Annie to make a truly memorable experience! She and Pete are wonderfully warm hosts and their home, inside and out, is a soul-soothing sight for their guests. I can’t thank her enough for making this year extra special.
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