So yesterday turned into a very good Christmas indeed. It all started when Doug and I headed down on Christmas eve day to Denver. My grandma, being in the hospital and all, we decided to head to there first to see her on Christmas eve, and make sure that even though the Martinez clan had rallied around her already that day, that the last two Martinez/Milligans were still thinking of her. Doug, in an awesome gift of charity to my family, decided to cook dinner for everyone who would end up back at my parents after the hospital visits (turns out it was just my mom and dad and me and him..but regardless, a great present before the actual big Christmas day.
The first good gift of that night, my grandma was off her respirator and while still looking restless, confused and tired, MUCH better. It was good to be able to go in, see her alert, and ornery as ever. If there is one thing I have learned from this weekend is that my family, my grandparents in particular have this crazy stubborn nature that makes them fighters when something ails them. I am happy to be blessed with these good genes, and hope I fight the same over my next 50 years. As we left the hospital on Christmas eve, I had renewed hope that the best Christmas present that anyone could not wrap and put under the tree for me, would be unveiled on Christmas day, a grandma on a straight and narrow path to recovery.
Christmas day arrived quickly. We all conked out early on Christmas eve. I joined my parents in not really getting much sleep on Tuesday night, after visiting Grandma for the first time, and I think as long as I saw my grandma even a bit sick, even without the respirator on Christmas eve, it was hard to sleep without thinking of her. So Christmas day, I was a groggy but still not ready to be awakened Jess, walking downstairs to see my dad, up for coffee and the paper as he is every Christmas day WAY too early :) Still sleepy, I passed out on the couch for a bit more of a "cat nap."
Before I knew it, it was Christmas in full force. My dad having returned from visiting my Grandma again with my Grandpa, also back for the holiday festivities. My bro, sis in law and her mom, arriving to greet us. Then the world wind of presents began!
So for Christmas Present(s)...there are 3 in particular that will mark this Christmas as one of the most special, if not unique of Christmas pasts.
1) My grandma getting better. We visited her last night, after Christmas officially "ended" at the Martinez house, leaving a weary mom (thanks Mom for a great day!) we made the trek down to my grandma, not only finding her more alert, and more ornery, but in thankful spirits. She realizes the value of being able to be here and has promised to really take care of herself. The extra good news, she might even be discharged today or tomorrow from the hospital. A gift for me (selfishly) so that I know she is back at her house, resting, and better..before I hop on a plane to head back to our other life...in Cali next Monday. I am forever grateful that we are given the chance to be with her for longer. Last night, seeing her laughing, and being happy..made my Christmas completely. While I have always been accused of hoarding my gifts to the end, so that I have more than everyone to open, yesterday..the gift of my grandma being as well as she could, made me more excited, and overjoyed than anything else.
But..of course..there were GREAAAT presents I received that were actually UNDER the tree for me yesterday afternoon! :) The 2nd, involves a gift my new "sis" gave me. While simple, it was so touching, it can claim the best gift I received this year. You see, she knows I am a writer. I have often kicked around poetry and something I could create in the past, to show emotion. Often times when I am at my most frustrated or angry, verses come out. But honestly, while there have been emotions pent up in me, they haven't translated to a pen and verse in a LONG time. So Becky, in probably the best gesture ever, realized I needed a nudge, and created a poetry journal we can trade back and forth. A chance at creating "art" that only her and I can share. I am both excited and scared at this new prospect. But it was just the nudge I need, to get me back into the writing I have so dearly missed in years. It was a sweet gift I am not sure how I will EVER repay.
Lastly, the greatest "material" type gift came from my dear husband. I have been complaining for a few weeks now about wanting one of the new and latest ipods. This whining hit a higher level a few days ago, when my old school mini ipod I had, took a dump after charging. So low and behold as a great guy that he is went out and bought me a new ipod touch. The new ipods are skinnier, and actually are wifi compatible. I am so excited to use it, I am almost afraid to touch it! :) I only sincerely hope the gift waiting in California for him, he enjoys and is as happy with as I am with my touch.
So, a great Christmas all around. Some of what I wanted was delivered, others, great miracles and surprises also were welcomed. I am appreciative this Christmas present, of everything received! For now, I will enjoy one last Christmas gift..enjoying Colorado for a few more days before hitting the reality of life back somewhere else. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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