The Night Before Christmas

[Julie Williams]

The Night Before Christmas

Adapted by Abby White for Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund.

 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, ...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

 

The children were nestled all snug in their bed,

While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads,

And sat hand in hand, parents did lovingly guard,

Over angels so brave for their year had been hard...

 

See, back in the Spring there arose such a trauma,

One angel before them was battling cancer.

Away to the hospital first they had flown,

Such heartache they found there, as never yet known.

Now the new-fallen snow, lit up by the moon,

Gave the lustre of mid-day filling their room,

And, what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But a container for sharps - a boxful of fear.

 

For no child likes needles. Feeling scared and sore,

This angel has faced more than she should endure.

First chemo that lasted through long summer months,

Causing sickness, and hair loss, fatigue and low counts -

Infection risks monthly with each new infusion

Kept this angel at home, feeling real exclusion.

From all the things children would normally enjoy

On warm summer holidays - each girl and boy.

 

Her siblings were also there, suffering long,

Silently wondering how things had gone wrong,

Was it their fault that their dear sister was ill?

Perhaps if they’d quarrelled less, she’d be healthy still?

And now, mixed emotions of anger and doubt,

sadness and fear and feeling left out

The siblings watch daily, this small angel fight,

Down on their knees each pray for healing in sight.

 

Radiotherapy came soon after chemo,

Invisible rays each day, loaded with hope.

Now Christmas has come and the family longs,

Not for crackers or turkey or carollers songs,

But this -- for their angel -- remission, and childhood

For rosy cheeks, smiles and joyful contentment

And patient with love they continue to give,

Daily praying for, willing, their angel to live.

 

These parents and children are special you see.

Though regular people just like you and me.

The angel among them reminds them to treasure

Each moment they share, fortune beyond measure.

And though cancer has changed their family life

They lovingly march onward, no choice but to fight.

So now as the parents watch their children sleep

They ask Christ the Lord again their dear souls to keep.

 

They pray that this Christmas bring joy to them all

And fill them with hope like the babe in the stall.

A hope burning bright to chase the shadows away,

As hope brought by angels that first Christmas day.

Be joyful then friends, for love strong and gentle,

And for angels among us so courageous and faithful.

Remember the family, bathed in silvery moonlight,

Who pray "Safe, happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

[Natasha Bear]

This is so pretty!  Happy Holidays!

[Allison DeSoto]

That was beautiful! Not sure if I'm freezing or if it gave me chills lol I think a little bit of both (; Hope you had a merry christmas <3