“We’ll give you a call tomorrow as soon as the doctor is done fixing Mom’s plumbing.”

Oh, Dad. He hid his nervousness about the surgery with goofy humor.

Mom came through the operation and recovery with flying colors and never regretted taking the step.

She wrote this during her wintertime recovery in early 1982:

The Long Christmas

Early February: I am home from the hospital – it is heaven! Days, I camp in the den with many quilts and pillows and the bed jacket made by my daughter in Indiana.

A small table holds my cup of water, paper, pen, books, harmonica. And from my family and friends a Norway troll, a yellow pie bird, a Valentine bear, and lotion. Below me on my left lie my purse, a small address file box, a cloth bag with more paper, envelopes, another book. I begin to write out one of my poems to send as a Valentine wrapped in a tiny hearted napkin.

At my lower right is more forbidden fare: a checkbook, a calculator, a strongbox full of budget, bills, and records. Each day I manage to make some headway in the work at both sides of my chair.

I cover the two den doors with the greetings from those I love; I am extending Christmas. With snow and ice at my doors the scene is simply set.

But it is the Spirit most of all that I claim because for the first time in several years I feel really fine.

It will take my body a while to catch up with my head; that is all right. Last November I was going to write of a woman who made friends with winter: I find now that I am living her story in a long Christmas.

~ Joan Vayo January 21, 1982

After years of discomfort and nearly a lifetime of monthly pain, Mom was free at last. She was about to turn 52 and was helping me plan our wedding from nearly a thousand miles away. May we all enjoy Christmas when it is gifted to us – in February, in August, and beyond.

PS: I have absolutely no idea why Mom had a harmonica among her recovery items.

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“The Long Christmas” © 1982 Joan Vayo. All rights reserved.

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