Have you noticed the snow drifting across my words? It’s a Currier and Ives sort of feature that the happiness folks at WordPress provide; no shoveling needed.
We have, thus far, been spared any real accumulation snow here on the Cutoff and the sun is out today, smiling down upon us as we finish the last morsels of Thanksgiving (today it is turkey vegetable soup). The last of fall is being swept under the carpets and the beginning of Christmas is starting to show.
I know some of you put up Christmas in one, fell swoop and your lights are already brightly shining. For some, it may take a while; perhaps just a sprig of green to honor the changing season. For my friends “down under”, summer has arrived, and for many I love, Hanukkah with its glowing candles will soon be here. Perhaps you do not celebrate the holidays or holy days of December, but, I think we can all embrace something in the change of the season, like a toasty fire in the hearth or a walk on the beach.
Here on the Cutoff, Christmas comes slowly, with candles aglow during our suppers of Advent and a theme of hope taking up residence. Trinkets and books have begun their appearance, coming out of boxes and drawers, while songs of good cheer are embracing our ears. A Black Forest spruce magically appeared and is hugging the barn; a little something my Antler Man picked up this weekend and will bring in mid-month. He is being evasive about how tall it really is. The Christmas Room, thus christened by Kezzie two summers past, and magically festooned last November, will eventually host a chorus of angels and our woodland tree will alter the inner landscape of our lives, enveloping us in a sanctuary of hope.
Hope.
We were filled with much hope last December, as Tom healed from eye surgery, which went well, but whose results were not as good as we had hoped for. Still-in-all, he has been able to resume work and all activities, and does so with strong determination and abiding faith. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of a vitrectomy, epiretinal peel, and all the steroidal shots he has endured can lead to a cataract forming, which is just the case with Tom. The cataract has developed quickly and its aggressiveness is causing increased macular edema. While cataract surgery has become a common procedure these days, it is a bit more complicated for those with Type I Diabetes. Such is the case with my Tom. So, dear friends, I find myself, once again, petitioning for your good thoughts and prayers as Tom undergoes cataract surgery in the wee hours of Wednesday and my Antler Man and I spend our time in that place we have often found sheltering: hope.
Hope.
Reblogged this on Brittle and commented:
Also posted on Lifeonthecutoff
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I will be sending the most enormous, gigantic, heavy, and sincere positive thoughts and prayers to you and Antler Man. I have Hope.
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I can feel your thoughts and prayers coming our way, Marilyn. You are a dear. Thank you.
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Ah, Penny, I’ve thought about your Tom and his eye surgery all afternoon since reading your post shortly after receiving it. Hoping his surgery will be quick and his recovery time short. (See my separate email.)
Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. ~Author Unknown
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Oh, Karen – thank you so much, and that is just the kind of quote I needed today. you’re the best. 🙂
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My very best wishes for a successful outcome of the cataract op. My own Beloved has macular degeneration and his eyesight is very poor in spite of many injections. But while he has some sight, all is not lost.
Here too Christmas starts slowly, we are in no hurry and the slower we go the more heartfelt and beautiful the season is. There are a few goodies to eat and a cosy drink or two waiting; and then there are candles, the smell of herbs and spices and a branch of something green and fragrant perfuming the air.
Yes, we can wait.
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Thank you for your kind words, Friko. I really do appreciate them and will keep them close. The injections Tom gets are likely the very same ones used for macular degeneration. The good news is that for those battling such eye conditions, there are now these treatments, painful as they are, they are at least something.
I love how you have described your approach to Christmas and quite agree that “the slower we go the more heartfelt and beautiful the season is. ” Yes. Yes, indeed.
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I couldn’t click Like on this post, as you and Tom have been through so much. I hope everything goes/went well. Please come back and update us as things progress.
I know Karen has just been through this, but diabetes does add another wrinkle. I’m keeping you both close to my heart and high in my prayers. xo
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I’m so glad I read this tonight, Penny, and will be praying now and into those wee hours tomorrow. I know this has to be very hard on you both, but I also hear the hopefulness in your voice and I know it comes from a very deep place. Somehow a slowly unfolding Christmas feels right. It can be deep and very powerful when addressed with times of contemplation. You and Tom are dear to so many, I know you will be surrounded with prayer and love. ox
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Penny, you and Tom have already gone through so much and now you have another challenge. My prayers will be with you, and I will ask for hope and protection to wrap around you, and for all to be well.
Your description of Christmas coming slowly, with candles being lit and little treasures uncovered, speaks of love and gentleness. This is a perfect time for obstacles to be overcome and for healing to spread its gentle wings over you.
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Andra, Debra, and Juliet; thank you, all for your kind words and good wishes. Sorry I can’t answer you all individually right now, BUT, Tom and I will carry all of your words as we head out in just a few minutes.
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I’ve lit a candle for you and Tom, a candle of hope.
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So nice to read that you lit a candle, Juliet. That brought some grateful tears to my eyes. He is resting and the procedure went well.
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I’m so glad Penny. That little light has been beaming for you all morning. You must be relieved that it’s over.
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Finally, I can respond. For some reason, I could read this post, but couldn’t respond.
You know that my prayers and my heart are with you both as you face yet another procedure. You have weathered so many tough times and I know that God will again give both of you the grace and strength to go through this challenge. Love you both.
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I’m sorry you were having trouble commenting, Janet. Thanks for your perseverance. I knew and felt your prayers and we both appreciate them, always. I really debated whether or not to post about this, but, in the end, decided to, hoping to bring more attention to Type I and its many chapters, and needed the prayers of good friends. Thank you. Love you tool.
Oh, I did enjoy seeing your posts about Clayville – a site I know I would enjoy visiting. 🙂
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I have no doubt that your home is absolutely lovely and cozy at Christmastime and I hope you and Tom are able to celebrate a successful surgery there. Such a nice post Penny, I don’t know how you do it with so much on your mind!
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Thanks, Janet. We are starting to bring out (or is in?) Christmas. Writing/posting often helps me work through life while dust accumulates. 🙂
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So sorry I missed this because of my own hospital check-up on Wednesday, Penny. I hope Tom’s surgery went well and am sending prayers and best wishes for a safe and successful recovery.
No decorations for us until we reach home.
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Perpetua, you have more than a full plate – and not enough hands to hold it. Prayers and best wishes are welcome anytime and as many are coming your way. I wish you safe travel as you wend your way home and hope the snowstorm is behind you. 🙂
Ours are appearing very slowly.
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I am trying to catch up reading new to old so I know this has a good result. Love to you.
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I’m so delighted that you have taken so much time here, Nan. Thank you for sharing in this good outcome.
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