December 23, 2008
Today we took Alphie to the veterinarian for his knee surgery, comparable to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) procedure in humans. We received the call not too long ago that it was successful, with the removal of the frayed ligament, and the implantation of a synthetic ligament in its place. We will pick Alphie up tomorrow and get instructions about how to give him physical therapy. The hard part will be applying a diet which he must begin in order to take the stress off his joints. I have no clue about what the dog brain absorbs of all of the above, but we will do our best to help Alphie achieve a complete recovery.
Our Christmas celebration will begin “as usual” with Charles playing for a Family Service early on Christmas Eve, and then at 9:00 PM for the beautiful Lessons and Carols service complete with processions, brass, choirs, and candles. I will go to the latter and remember, reflect, rejoice and be thankful. The music written for Christ’s birthday celebration down through the ages is often the best expression of each generation, and it is always new as it sounds through instruments playing in the present and rises again on the breath of voices singing on this holy night.
Christmas Day starts out quietly at home, and after breakfast, we read the portions of the Scripture that relate the events of Christ’s birthday. Later, we’ll feast on roast goose in a remembering of our childhood celebrations, and as the days follow, the entire family will gather. Then the house is filled with singing, children dancing, piano playing, story telling, feasting and games. This is a time that sends us onward into the new year armed with memories of the delights of children and children’s children. We feel the continuum of life as we remember our own grandparents and parents, and we see the new lives following us on the march through time.
I wish that all of you will have blessed and happy Christmas celebrations, too, and a 2009 that contains health and prosperity and hope and promise.
