Merry Christmas – 2nd Year post op… Part One

Anyone who knows me for any length of time finds out that I have a sister, and that she and I seldom get along for long. A lifetime of damage, pain and betray rests behind us. She is responsible for much of the darker points of my personality and my considerable issues with regards to the opposite sex. We have gone through periods of not speaking before, the longest of which was nearly 2 years. This latest episode ended just a few months ago.

The family (My parents from Florida, my sister, my 2 nephews and my family) will be getting together for the holidays for the first time in a long time. Tonight we’re getting together for dinner. My sister and I are being very careful with one another, both of us trying to respect one another to an unbelievable degree. For now, we want this to work. For now, we understand one another.

She texted me a few minutes ago… This is what she wrote:

“Tonight mommy is cooking the usual rice beans pasteles & pork ( puerto Rican Christmas food) r u ok with that? If not I can buy a whole chicken ( pollo brasa) they make it really good by me- let me know, I have to watch what I eat too”

Somehow this struck me. I was very touched. It was considerate, understanding, sweet even…

I phoned her, not texted, I called. I told her beans and the darker pieces of pork should be okay. I told her that I really didn’t need much food, so I am sure I could find enough. I then thanked her for checking with me and told her it was very considerate and that I appreciated it.

Sometimes your family gets it. They take a moment to ask a question, to try and make sure you’re okay.

Sometimes family works post op.

This is the first Christmas my family is having all together since my surgery. The first time we’ll all be together in several years. I find myself grateful for this, strangely enough.

Maybe “Happy Holidays” aren’t going to be hollow words.