28 December Christmas celebrations are over, but the memories aren't

I notice from the last entry that it has been quite a while since the last update. Sorry, but like everyone else I have been quite busy. In fact I recently said to Brian "Goodness I really need to sit down for a while" Duh... I spend all of my days sitting down... 

I am very glad to say that after a period of medication adjustment, my back pain has eased considerably (due to a large increase in the nerve drug Lyrica). This was such a relief as I was determined to be able to enjoy the Christmas worship and family get-togethers over Christmas. I haven't forgotten (how could I) that it was on Christmas Day a year ago that things 'crashed' for me - with an ambulance trip to hospital, leading to tests that soon identified kidney cancer and the spread into four tumours in my spine and left pelvic bone.  
I am so thankful that I could thoroughly enjoy Christmas this year.
Unfortunately Brian is still struggling to find the right relief for his pain, so there are more appointments shortly to continue the explorations. I will also have further CT scans in January to check how things are progressing, so our lovely new January calendar is already starting to fill up with appointments. 

It was so lovely to have Simon and Caitlin spend some days with us over the Christmas period. Sonya and Scott also bravely tackled the 8 hour trek from Albury to Portland with their four children, and together with Adrian, and Dale and Kodey, all the 'chickies' were home for Christmas this year! This of course lead to a delightfully chaotic but enjoyable time. 

On Boxing Day we drove to Melbourne for our traditional 'Miller' post-Christmas gathering. We have been doing this for over 30 years - and have all treasured this opportunity to catch up and see the 'rellies' that we often haven't seen from one year to the next. Instead of sharing Christmas gifts with each other, we all bring along 5 photos of the past year, and 'share' these happenings. It's lots of fun!

Enjoying the sharing of photos at the Miller gathering.

Today Brian and I travelled back home - just in time to say goodbye to the Albury crew who are heading back tomorrow (except for the 2 girls who are having extra holiday time in Portland). After such an enjoyable time, I have no shame in admitting that yes, I really am quite weary!

Here we all are on Christmas Day (minus Dale who unfortunately was at work). Note the amazing 'fruit tree' made by Caitlin for the children to enjoy and eat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I simply have to conclude with the following letter and drawing. It was written the other day by Lauren, who will turn 6 shortly. She is writing to her sister Emily, who died at 11 weeks of age (before Lauren was born), and she also refers to 'Lacee' - her cousin who also sadly died when she was 9 days old. Those precious little babies are so lovingly remembered, and the children talk about them often. Dear little Lauren (wearing a red crown in the above picture) has such a compassionate heart, and sometimes sheds a tear for this sister that she never met.

"Dear Emily, I just want to tell you I made this card by hand. I really miss you. I hope you are having a great time with Lacee. Now have a merry Christmas next year, Love Lauren"