December 18th, 2010 
judowolf Pulling up to Joe and Joan’s house a few days before Christmas, I knew it would be their last. Joe’s colon cancer had spread to his liver, they were aware of this, and their children were coming for Joe’s last Christmas.
Joan greeted me at the door and brought me through the house showing me the decorations in each room. The tree was in the living room and I saw a few presents under it. I knew they had a large family and this surprised me.
Joe was in bed, I sat down, and we began the visit. He was melancholy about the holidays, knew Christmas Day would be emotional, but was grateful he could give his gifts this year.
I asked about the presents under the tree and he said this Christmas is not about presents but gifts. Over the years, he lavished his family with a multitude of presents, which was easy as he got them what they wanted.
This Christmas each gift was one of his treasured possessions showing his sons and daughters how much he loved them, and will have the privilege of seeing their faces opening something that is a part of him. Hopefully, they will cherish these gifts, and pass them on to their children.
When our visit ended, I wished them a Merry Christmas. Heading to my car, I wondered what I would do if it was my last Christmas.
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