It's official: This is going to be a different kind of Christmas for my family and me.
We called my sisters on Wednesday morning and informed them that the back injury Mom suffered on Sunday was still bothering her to the extent that we had made an appointment to see a specialist. Because of that and the fact that she didn't want to chance aggravating it anymore, we told them that it was probably best we postpone the family get-together that was scheduled for Christmas Day.
Before I go any further with this story, anyone who wants to catch up on what happened Sunday and the feelings of guilt and anxiety I've felt over it, along with an explainer on why it wouldn't work for us to have everyone come here for Christmas lunch rather than my sister's, please click below:
- Caregiver's Diary Part 62: Ups and Downs Ahead of Christmas
- Caregiver's Diary Part 63: Bad Decisions and the Snowball Effect
This is the first time we've ever had to postpone the family Christmas gathering, and it does indeed feel odd/weird that Mom and I aren't rushing around trying to get ready to head out on Christmas morning. We won't be making deviled eggs, and I won't be getting the family gifts ready for transport. There will be no packing the car, aka "Santa's sleigh," with the gifts and goodies - at least not today.
That day will come, though. The priority is getting Mom well. Then we can proceed with the belated Christmas celebration.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Day meal for mom and me will be leftover chicken from the Bojangles' tailgate box I picked up on Wednesday. My sister, the one who was hosting, offered to bring some food over, but I asked her to save making everything for when we could actually enjoy it at her home, which we love visiting but can't get to often enough.
We're going to miss being there and spending time with everyone and seeing all the beautiful decorations, but the plan is to try to make the day here at home as normal as possible anyway.
We'll get up, open gifts, and enjoy some hot cocoa with breakfast while we listen to some Christmas tunes. We'll fill up the day watching Christmas movies, we'll eat lunch, and then we'll get to enjoy some red velvet cheesecake dessert that a friend sent me as a Christmas present. Naps will be in the mix as well, I'm sure.
The most important thing to remember, as I was reminded by family, offline friends, and the RedState community (y'all are the best!), is that though we can't be together on Christmas Day, we still have each other. We can call, text, or email each other if we want to. And once mom gets better and isn't so tuckered out, we can make up for lost time the next time we get together.
It's funny. If I were on the outside of a situation like this going in, I'd be giving similar advice and pointing to silver linings. But when you're the one in the thick of things, and when emotions are involved, sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.
In any event, because of the holiday and doctors' offices being on a lighter schedule, mom's appointment is not until Monday, but we're on a "priority" waiting list to hopefully get to see someone sooner.
Please keep her in your prayers that they're able to nail down what the issue is, that it's something easily treatable, and that there is nothing else of concern on the tests they run. In fact, please pray that her back heals even sooner to the point that maybe she won't even need the appointment.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
DIVE DEEPER: To check out my previous Caregiver's Diary entries, please click here. Thank you!
