These days I have joined the reflective brigade when it comes to Christmas. I suppose, because I have now experienced 67 of them, I have many to remember. But it's strange that the predominant thought that comes into my head just before Christmas is "this is the time I started chemo". Don't get me wrong, I'm not morbid about it; not in the least. Without the chemo I wouldn't be writing this now. It's just a thought I have and it tends to predominate in the days before the festivities.
With those thoughts this year comes a new one and that is that this is the first Christmas and new year I've had since the consultant said I was cured. So in a way I am approaching the new year with a new envigorated feeling. True I was sure I'd beaten it some years ago; but hearing the specialist say the word made it official. And officially I'm now just like the rest of you again - living my life with a peculiar derrangement of logic which makes me feel immortal.
So what I shall I do in this new year? Well, I will sort out more of the contents of this house. I will renew my vow of buying as much as I possibly can from charity shops or at least secondhand. I will continue to help and serve those of my friends and family who need me. Is there any big project that I want to undertake? Is there anywhere I want to go? Is there any experience I want to have? No, I am quite content. Life is good just as it is. It's so nice to be able to say that.
Here's to your new year too and I sincerely hope you can be peaceful, fulfilled and content too.
