Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent - we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” Some Advent Wreaths have a white candle in the middle. The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior. www.mercyhome.org/blog/sunday-mass/advent-wreath/
It was a busy busy week here in Sterling. Our living room renovations have been completed, the air ducts cleaned and the furniture all moved back in place. The furniture movers were on standby in case something did not go according to plan. They very kindly made us their last job before Xmas. I have to say everyone involved in this process has been knowledgeable, polite and kind. They were also very good about cleaning up every night. To me, it is a sign of professionalism when the trades leave a clean jobsite. If you follow my personal FB page you'll see pictures along the way, but I'll try to post a picture here of the finished product.
I also completed my 18th and final immunotherapy treatment session. Yes, I am done! I am so thankful to those on my medical team who supported me along the way. On Wednesday, I brought cookies (individually wrapped) to the phlebotomy team with special designs (I will try to post a picture). You know I did not bake them, but supported a dear friend's local business. On Friday, I brought different flavored brownies (individually wrapped) to the oncology team. This team is much bigger so I ordered online. They were all surprised that someone would bring them "thank you" gifts, but I felt they took such good notes and care of me over the past year I had to acknowledge them.
I had said when I was done treatment I would pop a bottle of prosecco at home (I've been saving) and I did. When I got home my BFF had arranged for a few close friends to come by to celebrate. So I popped a bottle or two and we had some finger food to celebrate. A nice way to end a Friday and treatment. Thank you to all near and far who supported me through prayer, cards, calls, etc.
I have lots of thoughts and feelings about the past year and I hope to put them together over the next few weeks and include in the blog. I learned quite a bit about myself and life in general.
This past week I finished reading: "SUMMER SISTERS" by Judy Blume (Read With Jenna selection) - a journey over many years of girls who met in school and life's obstacles. "GONE GULL" by Donna Andrews - a lighthearted murder mystery. "NINE DAYS" by Judy Cannon - a dysfunctional family and preparing for the death of their mother. We can relate to Sara, a product of divorce, narcissism and alcoholism, as she works through a lifetime of self-doubt and unworthiness to emerge as a stronger, integrated woman.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about (there are always more things about each day that are not listed here, but it's so interesting to google "whats important about ...) :
December 24
National Chocolate Day
National Egg Nog Day
December 25
Christmas Day
National Pumpkin Pie Day for recipes see Pumpkin Nook ‘s Cookbook
December 26
Boxing Day – The date can vary.
Chanukah begins – The date varies.
Kwanzaa
National Candy Cane Day
December 27
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
National Fruitcake Day
December 28
Card Playing Day
December 29
Pepper Pot Day
December 30
Bacon Day
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
I am ending it here for today. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy creating memories along the way. Take care. Chat soon. Marie