Although for many the thoughts of a holiday season without snow and cold, "just ain't normal", I say to you a big pooh-pooh! It is the time of year where the warmth of the heart seems to gush forward whether the landscape is green ( a holiday color) or frozen and in the midst of a long winter's sleep. Daily newspapers now carry thought provoking and heartwarming stories of people who somehow have opened their hearts and homes for those less fortunate. Holiday bazaars, Christmas symphonies, candlelight choirs, strolling musicians and bustling holiday shoppers set the happy and heartwarming atmosphere the season provides. As a society, we somehow forget, not everyone feels the joy we've all come to expect.
Kailee is this child. Not quite two years of age, she fights for her life,without a miracle, a battle she may soon loose. Perhaps too young to understand, she clings to her parents,the family and friends who have dedicated their every breathing moment to her final days. Determined to "help" little Kailee, they have rallied, setting plans in motion to give her the happiest of holiday seasons before she is too weak to enjoy. Watching, listening, laughing and crying, I too have felt helpless. Although I really don't know Kailee, I am honored to know one of her most avid supporters.
Having a young family of her own, Lizzie feels helpless. Hers are a healthly brood, for which she is thankful. Riding that emotional roller coaster, Lizzie and young son Jonah have visited Kailee often, forming an emotional bond that will, all too soon, be put to the test. It is unlikely Kailee will survive the Christmas season. How can one feel the joy and warmth of the season, when without rhyme or reason a young child will, all too soon, leave her earthly body? Will Lizzie be able to explain that to Jonah? Who will explain it Lizzie and the others who dedicate their lives to making Kailee's final days happy? Ironic as it may seem, Kailee, too young to understand, may very well be the answer. It will be her smile, her playfulness in the shadow of darkness, her touch as she cuddles close and the mountain of memories her parents, family and friends share.
We may always ask, WHY? For that there is no answer. Enjoy what we have, what we can share and what others share with us. Be thankful for everything. Throughout my day I always remind myself of how "lucky" I have been and most definitely, I never as WHY. For me the answer is always WHY NOT!
As Kailee clings to life, we hope, we pray and we continue to make memories. For her parents and the multitude of others she has touched, let the holiday season be joyful, filled with thanks and millions of Kailee stories.
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