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Had a couple of tired days here. Maybe the flu shot got to me, but I had trouble keeping my eyes open the last 2 days! I actually fell asleep while knitting last night.
Book, so good to see you back. Thanks for the info!
Lildeb, Hope your mnl behaved while at your apartment. Last time I was taking steroids, I had the Jekyll and Hyde thing going on. Even scared myself a couple times! I also woke up soaking wet from sweating every night. Was glad to be done with them. How are you doing health wise? Hope things ease up for you a bit.
Jen, Did you get much snow? been rainy and foggy here, but not too cold. Supposed to be 50 tomorrow and dry. I hope so because we are going to cut our tree in the afternoon. still have to get the X-mas village down from the attic and set it up on the top of entertainment center. We'll probably decorate the tree during the week. I have trouble with Mom keeping her feet up when I;m pushing her to the car and into daycare. When we take her for a walk in her wheelchair, we have to use straps to keep her feet on the rests, or she just puts them down. She is light enough that I tip her chair up just enough to get her feet odff the ground. I've had a few close calls with her feet getting twisted under the chair when she drags them!
Judy, glad to see your son is better! Yes, I do knit, and a lot! I have yarn and half finished projects everywhere. I crochet too, but prefer knitting, but crocheting is easier to learn and produces results faster. The lower # size needle, the smaller the stitch it produces. Really small needles work best for the thinner yarns. The weight of yarn that is most popular is called "worsted" weight and can be knit on needles from size 5 or 6 all the way up to size 10 or more. Most yarns will tell you on the label, the best needle size for the weight of the yarn. You can learn from books, but I suggest you check out tutorials on Youtube. they have many great videos that will help you get started on knitting. Just to a simple piece and practice as much as you can to get a feel for it.
I just finished a pair of wrist warmers in an intricate pattern. they came out beautiful and now I want to make more pairs, but that will have to wait until I get all the X-mas projects done.
Looks like everyone is busy on the weekend as usual. Hope it's a peaceful one for all!
Got to check on Mom. I can see she is restless tonight. Might be a long one here!
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Thanks, Cuz!
Austin...Hope the party was fun. I looked at knitting needles yesterday. They come in different sizes. OMG. I picked up some, then looked at the yarn. It comes in different sizes too. I have no idea how to pick this stuff out. Deef is the knitter, right? Deef! Help! I saw some beautiful yarn though. Fell in love with an irregular shaped one of wool with silk woven in. Pricey stuff.
Jen, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get your wish. Soon!
I love this thread. Seems I'm getting the silent treatment on another! LOL! Sheesh. At least I can see the humor in it!
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Cuz you are killing me-now I have more jokes for our AARP holiday party today.
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Biology Exam

Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam.

The last question was, 'Name seven advantages of Mother's Milk.'
The question was worth 70 points or none at all.

One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven
advantages. However, he wrote:

1) It is perfect formula for the child.
2) It provides immunity against several diseases.
3) It is always the right temperature.
4) It is inexpensive.
5) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.
6) It is always available as needed.

And then ... the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before
the bell rang indicating the end of the test, he wrote:

7) It comes in two attractive containers and its high enough off the ground where the cat can't get it.

He was awarded an A.
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A Loving Grandpa

A woman in a supermarket is following a grandfather and his
badly behaved 3 year-old grandson. It's obvious to her that
he has his hands full with the child screaming for sweets in
the sweet aisle, cookies in the cookie aisle; and for fruit,
cereal and pop in the other aisles. Meanwhile, Granddad way
around, saying in a controlled voice, "Easy, William, we
won't be long, easy, boy."

*Another outburst, and she hears the granddad calmly say,
"It's okay, William, just a couple more minutes and we'll be
out of here. Hang in there, boy."
At the checkout, the little terror is throwing items out of
the cart, and Granddad says again in a controlled voice,
"William, William, relax buddy, don't get upset. We'll be
home in five minutes; stay cool, William."

Very impressed, the woman goes outside where the
grandfather is loading his groceries and the boy into the
car. She said to the elderly gentleman, "It's none of my
business, but you were amazing in there. I don't know how
you did it. That whole time, you kept your composure, and no
matter how loud and disruptive he got, you just calmly kept
saying things would be okay. William is very lucky to have
you as his grandpa."

"Thanks," said the grandfather, "but I'm William .......the
little f---ker's name is Kevin."
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I know, it is like back away and wait for the show! Boom! Man have yer smoke then get outa the car to pump Flammables!
Still alive here...
Mom read him the riot act over the stupid of ate. He is getting a bit weaker slower etc. and she has asked him to PUT the foot rests up when he is being pushed because he can't hold his legs up and they catch and she is waiting for a broken ankle and he just won't listen so she called the bus company and the adult health center to ask them to make sure the foot rests are being used before he is transported. Of course he is annoyed feel s he is losing yet more control DUH ! and really thinks his yanking at railings and trying to pull with his feet is somehow "Helping" any one who is pushing the wheelchair. It isn't.
So she's upset he's upset, everyone is upset, except me. I don't care. But if he ends up in a home, we are broke and then he lives in nursing home till he heals or dies for $$$$ of dollars a month.
Why wont he just die in his sleep one night and be done with it. For everyone.
Life. When did it ever give me what I want, stop being stupid.

Gah...
Hope you guys have a good weekend.
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Book, how r u doing?
Wasn't their something last year about static n pumping gas can possibly cause sparks n ignite fires?
Stormy, I am fine just running to every one of my specialist dr's because I am so special. Then it will be the mnl or as some of yall call them, mil turn to go to her dr's. I was told by my heart asst dr yesterday that I needed to talk with my diabetic specialist about me taking the Norvasc along with the 40mg Zocor for it can cause muscle problems. Maybe since my cholesterol has been good that we can lower back to 20mg or change it. I'll see him today. Enough of my blabbering. Stormy, high dose of prednisone can make u feel moody, hungry along with giving ya a chipmunk cheeks. ; ) Unless u r talking about the 5 day pack they give. Yet it can still cause moodiness because of the steroids. Glad your dad is doing better n no more preds.
Jsomebody, That is just plum craziness to pump n smoke, good grief what is wrong with some of these people? Dumb-asses! If nothing else have some consideration for other people. I too would stay clear away if someone was doing that mess. Gotta take the mnl with me to my appt n hopefully she will behave herself if not we will just have to go with the flow. ; )
I hope everyone has a okay day today. ; )
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Hey Book- good to see you, thanks for the info. I can't take any chances with my Connor Bug.... Gotta go pick him up from school.
Judy-glad you got the server fixed and that your son is feeling better.
Jen-how are you doing?
Well, I need to go ya'll. love and hugs stormy
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Have snopes on bookmark myself deef...
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Don't have a car or a cell phone but when we are at the station we stay the heck away from anyone smoking and pumping, add talking on cell to that !

Get more library books today. That's about it, snow finely really coming down and cold enough to stick (almost).

He is just off to center to annoy other for seven hours...

I can open a window downstairs any way...Hope everyone has a decent weekend!
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Diane, I hope your mother forgets about her "broken teeth" today. That must be so frustrating and hurtful to see her so upset and confused, thinking you're actually capable of doing monstrous things to her, like breaking her teeth, whether they were in her head at the time or not. And the dying thing would drive me insane. My mother does that "I don't have many months left" thing. And, I know that 2 of her sisters were in their 90's when they died, and so was her mother. Mom is 86. I think we may have another 10 years of her yet! She gets so mad when I point that out.
Deef, I'd like to eat chocolate chip cookies with two fists too! Especially homemade.
Stormy - that server problem wasn't fixed until after I went to bed last night. How irritating. Son is better today and I'm waking him up when I hit "submit" on this. Its a school day for sicko. Or not-so-sicko anymore.
Austin, I'm getting the yarn and knitting needles today. You crochet, though... and Deef knits?
Cat - Stormy mentioned this being a tough time of year for you, just losing your dad. I never even thought of that. I'm sorry. No wonder you're more quiet than usual. I wish I could send you some of that white light, but I've told you before that I'm more of an orange person. My favorite color. So, I'm sending you shades of tangerine and orange sherbet, with a hint of marigold. xx
Bobbie, thanks for the info on gossip! Your story about your mother taking the top of the toilet off to dip her comb, reminds me of something one of my boys told me about taking the lid off. You might've heard about this, but it was news to me. "Upper decking". Have you heard of that? Its where someone takes the top of the toilet tank off, and POOPS in that top part and then puts the lid back on. Apparently, this is something to be done to someone you don't like? I guess the look of horror on my face was hysterical when my son explained it to me. Who thinks up stuff like this?
Book - not to be negative, but that info on cell phones is a myth. You can look it up on Snopes, and the FCC has an article debunking it. I just got a similar email from a friend.
Jen, I hope you get to air out the house today. You always sound so happy when you do.
Where's mmally? I could use another toilet brush story. Hello? mm?
Or maybe a joke, Cuz?
I know I missed someone. Mame is always so good at always remembering everyone.... and I can't remember if she's on here or YOU!
Have a good Friday. Finishing the wallpaper today. Just want to be done and painting.
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Hi All... I hope you find this useful or educational. Another email from another client...Regarding Fueling your car at the Gas Station.

KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN THOSE 'REALLY IMPORTANT' PHONE CALLS COME IN!!

Warning From Shell Oil Company
Please send this information to ALL your family & friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen, they may not be able to get the children out in time.

MUST READ, EVEN IF YOU DON'T OWN A CAR.

Safety Alert!
Here are some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in operating areas, propylene oxide handling and storage area, propane, gas and diesel refueling areas.

The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations

In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.

In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car!

And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.

You should know that: Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes

Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition

Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.

Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc...)

TO sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:

1) Turn off engine
2) Don't smoke
3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off
4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling.

Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a resul t of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.

His results were very surprising:

1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.

2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.

3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.

4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.

5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas

6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges.

7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.

8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.

Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas.
If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.
As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger.

I ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time. Thanks for passing this along.
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Bobbie- Thanks, I am better.
Deef- You are right, tomorrow is a new day!
Dtflex- I hope your mom settles down, so maybe you can get some rest.
Judy- I don't know much about ritalin, but i know that dad was in the hospital one time and the drs put him on pnedisone (sp?) and he was in a bad mood the whole time he was on that stuff. Thankfully, they took him off of it. He is not a good mood person to begin with and then they put him on that stuff.
Cat- thinking of you, I know the holidays are rough this year.
lil'deb- how's it going with you?
If I missed anyone I am sorry. Ya'll take care. Thinking of all of you. hugs stormy
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Dtflex, I hope u can get some rest n some answers to help your mom so you can.
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Cuz, wonderful story!
Stormy, Be glad you don't have to be there 24/7! I too would prefer running errands. Just remember, tomorrow is another day and it could be a great one.
Judy, Sorry your son is still sick. Is it the flu? Poor kid! As for the change in your dad, definitely call the doctor and tell him what is going on. Remember, when we complain about a behavior, we also have to think about the fix and whether that will be better or worse for them as well as us!
Diane, GGet yourself some headphones or earplugs and just answer your mom with generic statements. She's not liking her situation and can't make sense of it either. Maybe it's time for something that makes her calm, even it it makes her more sleepy. Mom used to be very anxious and scared at night and would be up and down all the time. Since she has meds to help her sleep , she is much calmer and has less anxiety attacks during the day. It has made life much easier for me. What does her doctor say when you tell him about these behaviors? Maybe they can find a solution for you. Also, the hospice people may have suggestions after they get to spend more time with her. My mom was never abusive verbally, not in her nature, but she sure can push buttons with very little effort!
Her scary episode on Tuesday morning has has no affect on her at all!!! Amazing as I thought it was the end for sure. I definitely never pictured her end coming that way! My doctor said that one day she could very well just forget to breathe.
I made chocolate chip cookies this afternoon and she had a couple for dessert after dinner. When it's something she likes, she is a 2 fisted eater! She had both hands full of pieces and was trying to grab more from the plate. then she was cleaning her tray with the crumbs. We had a good laugh over that!
Bobbie, good post!
Jen, how are you today???
Hope everyone else is well and having a good week. Got a sink full of dishes to do, as usual.
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Judy. my mom isn't on Ritalin but she is angry all the time. She whines and complains non-stop. Mom's biggest issue is she has anxiety attacks about 4 times a day and swears she is dying and I'm withholding treatment. I do know some of the medications that are meant to calm people can have the opposite effect and make them very grumpy. I often think of Bobbie trying to explain to us about PTSD from caregiving. Some days I really feel like I'm dealing with a war, a war with dementia. And the demand for attention is never ending. They all believe the world revolves around them. I just have to repeat to myself "this too shall pass".
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OH, man... does anyone have any experience with a parent on ritalin? My dad was sleeping, sometimes 20 hrs a day on bad days.The doctor put him on ritalin. Dad is more awake now and can tell you about the show he just watched on TV, which is more than he could do 2 weeks ago (still has a problem finding the right words to tell the story, but he knows the story). But... he is so nasty. He went from being vacant and sleepy, to an old man who acts like an angry 5 year old. He was jealous of the hug that my mother gave my nephew today. He asked my nephew to stop doing jobs around the house because it makes him (my dad) look bad. Whaaat? I want the old vacant man back. I think I need to talk to the doctor about dosage or something. Dad told me today that my mother gives my nephew hugs but she won't even look at him (my dad). He said my nephew is "taking advantage" of them and then all he could mutter was "I don't give a shit." Repeatedly. Its like the funny farm over at their house.
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Let it rip, Diane: Don't forget to breath too.
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I just need to blow off steam.....Mom is being a royal pain in the butt. I was feeding her and then she comes up with this notion that I have broken her teeth. She only has teeth in the front, upper and lower. Her teeth are fine. You know what she is feeling? The freakin scalloped plate of her dentures. As she usually does with various things she has now obsessed with her freakin teeth and won't shut up. My mother is better cared for than 3/4 of the seniors in America and all she can do is bitch non-stop about EVERYTHING!!!!

Thanks for listening.
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Hi there Crew,

Found this on the weather site. Bad habits that are good for you.

Here's one:

'Gossiping

Spending 20 minutes chatting with a trusted friend about other people’s news (and, yes, even their minor misfortunes) helps 96 percent of people squash feelings of stress, tension and anxiety for up to four hours straight, say researchers at Rhode Island’s Brown University.

Even better?
Women who spread positive, uplifting gossip found their depression alleviated by up to 72 percent within three months.
“Speaking positively about others stimulates women’s natural bonding instincts,” explains Scott Haltzman, M.D., author of The Secrets of Happy Families.
“And that revs up your brain’s production of powerful, mood-elevating antidepressant hormones.”
See, it pays to be nice!'

lovbob
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Remember to breathe Stormy.
lovbob
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I am not in the mood to be over here today. Thank the Lord, he is sending me to the bank. It will be time away from here..... ugh............................ hugs stormy
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Good Morning, Judy. Hope your son feels better, ginger ale seems to help me when i am sick with the stomach virus. Have a good day. Hugs stormy
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I must've been typing at the same time you were.... Good morning, Stormy! Didn't mean to miss you!
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G'morning! Thanks for the story, Cuz!
Figures that someone with a giant heart like you would work with terminally ill children, Cat. xxoo.
Lisa, how are you going to read that story to little kids without blubbering? I'd be scaring the kids with my Gloria Stivic routine. As I've said before...I'm not a very graceful teary person when it happens.
My kid is still sick. He held down two cups of tea yesterday. Can't send him to school dehydrated today. He's GOT to be better today. If not, we're going to the doctor. He's only had two cups of tea since Tuesday afternoon, and he's thrown up anything else he's tried.
Mom wants me to take her shopping today. She's got a list of places that she wants to go. Great. The tug of war begins as soon as I pick up that phone to tell her that I've got a sick kid.
Hope everyone has a good day!
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Cuz- I am over here boohooing, crying at the story about Sarah. It is a wonderful story of how miracles can happen if you have enough faith, and hope. Sniffles...... I need some tissue. Thank you for sharing!!
Cat- I am sure it was a wonderful job to grant these wonderful children with their wishes, but I am sure it was a sad job too, to see all of the little children sick. I don't know if i could take it. It would tear me up too bad. It's good that you were able to do this job, and I thank you for that. But I would be a wreak going to work everyday. Hugs to you, Stormy.
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Cuz, thank you for sharing that beautiful story. I have my great nephews next weekend for our holiday crafts. I plan on reading them this story. What a perfect example of love, hope, and miracles. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
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Cuz: I worked daily with terminally ill children for 23 years. I was the director of a non-profit organization that granted wishes to children with high risk and terminal illnesses. I could tell you a million stories of how the spirit can overcome illness, at least temporarily, when there is something to live for. I know that miracles exist.

Merry Christmas
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Good medical advice from the Jewish sages of old.

1. F***ing once a week is good for your health, but it's harmful if done every day.
2. F***ing relaxes your mind and body.
3. F***ing refreshes you.
4. After F***ing, don’t eat too much; go for more liquids.
5. Try f***ing in bed 'cause it can save you valuable energy.
6. F***ing can even reduce your cholesterol levels.

SO, REMEMBER ...Fasting is good for your health

And may The Lord cleanse your dirty mind!!!!

Spread the laughter, share the cheer;

Let's be happy while we're fasting.
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This is a long one but well worth the read luvCuz

don't tell Me there are no more miricles!

Santa & Sarah

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at the Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin.
The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa,
smiling. "Your friend?" Your sister?
"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly.
Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her
eyes with a tissue.
"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!"
The child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.
Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he
wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother
came over to help the Child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but
halted. "What is it?" Santa asked warmly.
"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the old woman began, shooing
her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.
"The girl in the photograph .. My granddaughter .. well, you see .. she has leukemia and isn't
expected to make it even through the Holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there
any way, Santa .... any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked
for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as
to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest
of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that Hospital
bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the Least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his
helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location
manager how to get to Children's Hospital.
"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.
Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day.
"C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.
Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa.

They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.
Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed.
The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's
brother he had met earlier that day.
A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin
hair off her forehead.
And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with
weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and
closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah.
Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a
hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!"

"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes in tact.
Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own
son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her
short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when
he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes.
His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears.
Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing
of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the
bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as
they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes.
Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for
Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year.
As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for
permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled
around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked
intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.
"Oh , yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you, "he said.
Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed.
He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease.
He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished
praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly,

"Silent Night, Holy Night - all is calm, all is bright."
The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears
of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.
When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.
"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on
getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to
see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!"
He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to.
He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.
"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.
He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.
Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they
wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and
rushed to Santa's side to thank him.
"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly.
"This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal
job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came u p to sit on his lap.
"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"
"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her.
After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they
are the "only" child in the world at that moment.
"You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped.
Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to
his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and
silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a
year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines
smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus.

He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle
of hope. This precious little child was healed.

Cancer-free. Alive and well.

He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank You Father. ' Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"

If you believe in miracles you will pass this on. I did!!

LIFE IS GOD'S GIFT TO YOU ... HOW YOU LIVE IT IS YOUR GIFT TO GOD, YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES.


I cried & am not ashamed of it.......
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