Cold & Chicken Pox Season

Hi all,

Ok, first to recommendations...I just saw "Freedom Writers" on TV. Wow, what a great movie and true story right out of Long Beach, CA. Movie has been around for awhile but it was nice to rediscover it one afternoon.

Now to the crazy stuff-Meghan got Chicken Pox on Thanksgiving or around there. She had been vaccinated, thank goodness, so her suffering was little to none but lesions were present and confirmed by Laura & Kristi Logan (experienced nurses) so we started her on medication right away. I called my docs and confirmed my suspicions. I had to move out of the house for the duration of her illness (about 4-5 days) to the Brown's pool house. It was fun being a bachelor for a few days and the Browns are so awesome (l love that family) but as I discussed what medical interventions I should do with my doctors we all realized how many viruses I am exposed daily in my current compromised state that I don't even know the name of and calmness and common sense ensued (at least for the docs involved). The holiday weekend and insurance hassles had something to do with it too. Funny thing too-Katy was Clara in Nutcracker 3 years ago and on Thanksgiving contracted Chicken Pox! Strange goings on in the O'Neil household with infectious diseases:)

We did enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in blissful ignorance of circulating pox virus with Mom-Mom, Adam (cousin) and Karl (nephew). Nutcracker week starts now and then we will enjoy the slow days to Christmas. Tommy recovered great from his knee injury and is back to full activity. Finals, frugal shopping and reminding myself that last Christmas is not something I remember too clearly (I left hospital AMA to watch presents being opened & returned home sometime in Feb) so it makes this holiday season really special. I am stoked and grateful that the Lord continues to bless me with health, appreciation for simple things and the gift of life each day.

cGVHD is improving each day but I remain realistic that it is not gone away and will continue to challenge me for a very long time. Such is life and I try to stay "glass half full" in attitude but occasional pity parties are allowed I am told. We don't let it get in the way too much now.

Have a great holiday season and don't forget to say "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the 25th.