Life Before Diagnosis, Part 3

I had a beautiful childhood, which included my two sisters and never-divorced Dad and Mom. My parents were loving, giving people, and, as I grew up, I wanted to be just like them. They were fabulous roll models. They gave generously to the people in their lives, sometimes to their own detriment. Every Christmas was magical. We would begin our celebration with a trip to Philadelphia, starting with a train ride to Philly. From the train, we would have lunch in the Gallery, which was essentially an underground mall. Then, we would go to Wanamaker’s for their seasonal Christmas light show. It had singing, along with lighted Santa’s train, ballerinas, snowflakes, nutcrackers, bears, candy canes, snowmen, and much more! We never missed it. “We” included my grandmother, my aunt, Mom, my cousin, and me and my two sisters.

After the light show, we went to the Children’s floor. In there, we kids could ride a “train” they had across the top of the room! Then, we went to a production of “A Christmas Carol.” It was a walk-through exhibit, complete with cobblestone flooring. We then returned to the Gallery to have dinner. Before we left for the train, Mom bought ooey-gooey, cinnamon buns, which we ate at home.

Dad and Mom made Christmastime even more jovial. We baked tons of Christmas cookies, in several varieties. Also, we made tiny cherry cheesecakes that were super yummy. Christmas day was the best! Before we were allowed downstairs, Dad would go down and set the mood. He turned on the tree and turned on he radio station with all-day Christmas music. When we were allowed down, our eyes exploded when we saw the plethora of presents for each person.

Like I said earlier, I wanted be like my parents. My dad was a drafting/CAD teacher and my mom was a Certified Medical Assistant. I first tried drafting because it was offered in my middle school. I also took two years of it in high school. Then Mom started taking me to work with her. I fell in love with the medical field, and became a CMA myself.

I also wanted to be charitable, but that’s a story for next week!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 11 (KJV)