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Last year, I did not think I would see another Christmas. That thought sat heavy on me, a shadow over every holiday light and carol. Yet here I am today, healthy, happy, and smiling. As I looked around, I felt a surge of pride—not because I have done something amazing, but because I proved the doctors wrong. I am still here. I am still standing. This Christmas is not just about surviving—it is about hope, faith, and the strength that comes from love.
Hope is what kept me going. Faith held me steady. Together, they pulled me through the darkest nights into the light of this season. As much as hope and faith lifted me, I have come to realize the real miracle is not just my health—it is my family.
Do not get me wrong—my family drives me crazy. From my closest circle to the extended branches, they each have quirks that could fill a comedy show. That is what makes them mine. Above everything, they are loyal—sometimes too much so. Despite their flaws and loud opinions, they have been my foundation. God gave me them just as they are, and I would not trade a single thing about them.
This Christmas, I am grateful for more than my health—I am grateful for them. For the love they pour into my life every single day. My husband, who starts each morning by telling me how much he loves me, like it is a promise we have made. My mom, who still checks on me after long drives even though I am 48 years old, like I am still her little boy. My sister, who calls at the slightest mention of a headache just to make sure it has passed. These little acts might seem small, but they are everything. That is love, and it is what I am most thankful for.
This Christmas, I do not wish for anything under the tree. I already have it all—hope, faith, love, and the people who hold me up when I need it most.
As I reflect, one line stays with me: "What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" Merry Christmas to everyone. Hug the ones you love, soak up every moment, and never stop believing in the power of hope.
—Jonathan
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