Now I'm going to tell you why we put up a Christmas tree in September. Mark had a traumatic health scare in early August. We knew it was serious, but when more than one doctor says that, "if you hadn't come to the emergency room today you would have died," that changes everything. Thank God he was treated immediately and over the next 5 days began to feel better and was able to go home; but he will be on a couple of new medications for the rest of his life. It's going to take six months for Mark to completely heal, but he's doing so much better. He just needs to reduce stress and not push through but rest when his body tells him to per doctors orders. I can honestly say that he seems to have a new appreciation for his life and spending time with loved ones. While this experience was part of the reason we put a Christmas tree up in September, it's not the only reason.
In September of 2009 Madison and I went to Hobby Lobby and we were overwhelmed by all the Christmas decor they had out for sale. As we strolled through the aisles she asked if she could put her small Christmas tree up when we got home. I said no it was a little early and that she should wait until at least November. We talked about it for a little while but I'm sorry to say that I still said no. I regret saying no, and that's why I didn't argue or say no when Mark wanted to put a Christmas tree up in September. But every year since we lost Madison I put her little tree up on or near her feast day. This year it went up on October 10th.
So in September Mark came with me to a thrift Christmas store and was actually enjoying it. When he found the little purple tree I said if you want it get it. He was so excited and began looking for gold ornaments to put on it. I was just excited that he wanted to come with me and was enjoying himself. When we got home he immediately started putting the tree up outside and I was surprised and almost argued about it. But I caught myself and thought of that conversation in 2009 with Madison, so I just asked where he wanted to put it. And that is why we have had a Christmas tree up since September.
Happy Halloween, Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
