T’was
the night before Christmas, and all through my body
Not
a thing isn’t hurting. How I need a hot toddy!
The
stockings I’d put on my feet with such care…
They
now chafe my skin, I feel so raw and rare.
I’ve
spent almost all of this day in my bed
With
this merciless migraine pounding my head.
I
just feel so tired, all energy sapped.
How
I wish I could sleep — please — just a half hour nap!
When
down in my gut, I can hear such a clatter:
I’m
just not quite sure — Is it bowels? Is it bladder?
Away
to the bathroom, I crawl like a slug
And
sigh when I spy in the mirror… my mug.
My
face seems as white as the new fallen snow.
And
so are my hands — I’ve Raynaud’s, you know.
When
what to my wandering eyes should appear
But
a toy that my grandchild has somehow left here.
She’s
a beautiful grandchild — so lively and quick.
Right
now she’ll be dreaming of good ol’ Saint Nick.
The
rest of my family, well, they’ll do the same.
If
only I could remember their names.
There’s
Stacey and Thomas and… Sarah, I’m thinking.
I
hate when my mind’s like I’ve spent all day drinking.
Whatever
their names or size, big or small,
Come
Christmas morning, they’ll all come to call.
They
know not to come too much before noon.
They
know I’ll be useless if they come too soon.
But
then in their Honda they’ll park in my drive.
And
suddenly sprout like a busy beehive.
They’ll
rush to my door bearing goodies and such.
Mostly
for them though… I can’t eat too much.
They
know not to hug me too hard, lest I scream
And
spend all day smelling like a deep-heating cream.
My
grandchild will be at the centre of things.
But
that is the magic that each Christmas brings.
The
day will seem long for me; yes, that is so.
But
Christmas comes just once a year, don’t you know.
And
if I stay careful, and limit myself
To
no more than what I can handle, or else,
I CAN
enjoy Christmas, and all of the cheer
And
then be so thankful it’s just once a year.
So
if you are hurting like me, might I say
I
hope you too tolerate this Christmas Day
And
more than just that, I hope that you find
Some
joy and some love and some true peace of mind.
And
though we’re in pain, to start things off right
I
say Merry Christmas... and to all a good night!
Copyright © Dec. 18, 2013, Kevin P
White, MD, PhD
Kevin
P White, MD, PhD
5-Time
Award Winning Author of
