Christmas Reflection

About 3 Christmases ago, our family found out my dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. The feeling that runs through your body when you hear your loved one is struck with the dreaded "C" word is unexplainable. I remember so well the bittersweet feeling of that holiday season. It was Mig's 1st Christmas, yet every time I found myself enjoying this first Christmas with our first born, in the next breath I would feel that lump in my throat and pain in my heart thinking of the upcoming months of treatment for my Dad once the New Year started and dreaded unknown of what could be.
My dad chose to do the weekly radiation treatments and the laser radiation surgery just so he would not have to be separated from Mig . Had he chosen the more typical course of treatment of implanting radiation seeds on the Cancer he would not have to endure the more invasive and physically tiring treatment that he did. But the thought of not being around Mig for 6 months or more was not a choice. We all believe that the power of love truly helped my Dad get through each day of treatment and recovery. Mig was his rai·son d'ê·tre; his reason for existing.
He would schedule all his treatments in the evening, so that he would still be able to play and spend time with Mig everyday while I went to work. I honestly don't remember my dad ever complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Just seeing Mig seemed to give him strength and put a smile on his face. He did what needed to be done and relied on his faith and his Mig to get him through.
So, on this Christmas, 3 years later, I wanted to reflect on this time and not forget. I want to remember all the things I have to be thankful for.

My hero with his.