Christmas '09

We have been sending out a letter with Christmas cards for about 15 years ever since we figured out the word-processor capabilities of computers and the efficiency, if lack of personal touch, a standard letter provides.

Early on, I wrote them as sort of a spoof, since we started getting inane ones from people we hardly knew. Our favorite was from a couple who told us about replacing the linoleum in their kitchen. Talk about too much information.

Then of course there was the incessant bragging about children. It's a wonder that by now world peace hasn't been established, cancer cured and global warming reversed considering what brilliant, talented kids they were back in the '90s. My way of coping was to write about our perfect, talented, brilliant, well behaved-but-with-just-a-touch-of-mischief children in an over-the-top way.

But at some point, I started writing them differently and found it a useful exercise to try to sum up a year, with Emily, Ellen and Janice all providing editing, whether I wanted it or not.

The challenge this year, of course, is that the news hasn't been good. But writing it will give me a chance to concentrate on the positive, which of course is what I should be doing anyway.

Here, exclusively on JayGallagher.blogspot.com, is the first draft of this year's letter:

The dominant event for us this year was Jay’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June. He had surgery in Boston on June 25 and since has had both radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He’s not in any pain but is tired most of the time.

The diagnosis was grim, but he has done his best to remain upbeat during this fight. Best thing to come out of it has been the rallying of Emily, Janice and Ellen, as well as Emily’s sister Judi and other relatives and friends, to help Jay cope.

Although the experience has been a trial, another positive to come out of it has been a greater appreciation on Jay’s part to the parts of life that are important - mostly human relationships - and more acceptance of minor irritants that before seemed more important than they actually are. He has become a big hugger.

He sorely misses the world of the Capitol, but writing a daily blog with his musings on politics, life and other subjects, as well as news in the cancer fight, provides him with an important writing outlet. The address is http://Jaygallagher.blogspot.com.

Emily has cut back on her practice, but still works about three days a week and has managed to fit in some hikes, canoe trips and other fun as she copes with having an ill spouse.

Janice, who spent a good chunk of the summer at home helping to care for Jay, is back for her second year of graduate work at Cornell and is especially enjoying being a teaching assistant. She has done a great job in fixing up the old house she bought in downtown Ithaca last year into a cozy, warm home.

Ellen has changed jobs, and is now helping to coordinate a national campaign to help immigrants feel more welcome. She is on the road a lot preaching her inclusive message, while at home she and Allyson are hoping the housing market dips enough in the Boston area so they can buy a house.

We’re all taking a cruise together next month in the Caribbean. We once thought such a trip would be too sedentary, but now view it as a chance to be together while having lots of options for things to do.

We hope the holiday season finds you healthy and happy.