Long post!

I have tried to sit down and write something all week but every time I do I have so many thoughts that I can't sift through them all. So, I get up from the computer desk and don't post anything. But this morning, I decided to post even if some of the things I am writing don't seem to make sense. I just need to get them written down.

1. My son came home this week. It is so nice to have him home. We laugh a lot when he is here and I miss that. It's a little harder for me to concentrate when he is around because that is one more person in the house that I am not used to having around, but I'll take it anyday if I can be with him.

2. I have been amazed at some of the cards, notes and gifts that have been appearing on our doorstep. I love getting cards at Christmas and yes, I am one of those people that love getting the Christmas letters from everyone. I forget what is happening in their lives during the year and it is always so nice to catch up with what they have going on. This year, when I sent out my Christmas letter, I decided to spare some people from reading it, so I didn't enclose a letter in many cards because I just figured that they might not care what is going on in our household. How wrong I was -- I have gotten several cards and notes from people saying, "we missed your letter this year and what is happening in your life". That kind of shocked me but I should be pleased that friends are interested in us. I suppose many thought perhaps my illness prevented me from writing something this year. And, it was definitely hard for me to come up with something but I did. I will follow up with these friends later. And, thoughtful gifts, from people I never expected to get something from have arrived, with basically, a thinking of you message. Friends are so important and I love everyone of mine!

3. My on going struggle with Social Security is back in the picture. The social security office is now ready to work my case. I got a letter from them and my attorney asking for all this information "immediately". Of course, getting it over the Christmas holiday and trying to track down the records "immediately" might prove to be a little difficult. And, I certainly would have appreciated them looking at my files "immediately" instead of almost 30 months after they were submitted!

4. I've got to try to get into the dentist today. There is definitely something wrong with my teeth -- it is very weird -- I can't pinpoint the problem but I feel like all of my teeth hurt. I know that sounds funny, but that is the only way to describe it. I'm not sure if he can help me, but I'm hoping maybe he can give me something for the pain to get me through Christmas.

5. Going back to the cards -- one thing that certainly humbled me, was that an agent I used to work with when I booked performances sent me a card. She left the business several years ago when she had a baby. But, on the back of the envelope of her card, she put a note saying that I had inspired her and to read her Christmas letter - she hoped I didn't mind. After opening the envelope and reading her first paragraph, I was touched. She told her friends that she wasn't going to write a Christmas letter this year, but after reading mine and realizing how important mine was to her, that she decided to write one. We became friends even in our crazy business days that I truly admire her.

6. Tomorrow, I am going to meet my two "surrogate sons" as I have called them in previous blogs. These two young men worked for me and I went to one of their weddings this year. I had posted a photo of them on my site last summer. One is in the army in Texas and another works in Pennsylvania. They will both be home for Christmas and we are getting together for lunch. They are about a year older than my son and I have really enjoyed getting to know them not only as employees but as individuals. We have shared many a laugh together. The other one is getting married this year, and unfortunately he is getting married the same day that my nephew is gettng married in Illinois so I won't be able to get to his wedding. The Army is sending one to Iraq come July. It will probably be a long time before the three of us are together again since I won't be at the wedding. Just like my son, I hate that they are not close by. I enjoy being around them and I am grateful they have kept me in their life.

OK -- Ineed to stop now. I realize much of what I have written probably doesn't mean much to most people but it does to me. But thanks for reading. If I don't get a chance to post again before Christmas --- my very best to everyone for a safe and happy holiday!