Another year was coming to a close. Eventful as it was, my Leukemia never entered into the equation. A full year of negative tests and some much needed mental wellness. Dr. Topolsky ran another Chimersm, it had been a while, and the results were spectacular. My DNA had completely reverted back to the characteristics of my brother Glenn. From O Positive blood to B Positive again. This was excellent. Except that I could no longer prove that my boys…WERE my boys. My nephew and nieces were my kids now. Lol. Anyway, the cancer front was quiet for now. A funny thing happened though soon thereafter. Joey had grandparents day at his school where my parents were going to represent our family. Joe got up to introduce them and hesitated for a moment. He introduced them as “I think these are my grandparents”. Or, didn’t know, “If his dad was his dad”. Apparently, his older cousins had been teasing him that he and Nick weren’t related to them or me because of my DNA change. He was very confused. Poor kid was only nine years old and had seen and been through so much in his short life. My Dad quickly interjected, explained what Joe was confused about and got a pretty big laugh out of all the other grandparents and teachers in attendance. He was so glad that I was his Dad….again.
Lori accepted a job as a Librarian at the Hatfield Elementary School in the North Penn School District. All of the hard studies and great transcripts paid off. Of course she would begin her masters plus studies simultaneously. No rest for the weary. Or the super motivated. We had a lot of ground to make up. Like miles of ground. Luckily, business was really going strong. This year was headed towards a record breaking season. We needed it so bad! During the Christmas rush, my team of seasoned salespeople really worked hard. My favorite sight is when men press cash against the front windows after we’ve closed already! “Please let us in”! We always did. Santa never rejects cash. Buttoned up the store and headed home with a great feeling. A good year finally. Now, I can sleep.
I arrived home amid some holiday fireworks. Not the beautiful shooting stars and lights, but the very unusual familial sort. An all out disagreement turning ugly. I had no clue what had happened but this was really uncharacteristic of our family. My dad decided to walk out but Lori went after him to difuse the situation. After all she had cooked her ass off. Preparing a dinner for 25 people is no joke. This was Christmas Eve. A merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. We would end it that way. A good night. No other way.
Lor didn’t need any bs. Her dad was still failing and the trips to New York were getting tougher. She was just learning the ropes of her new job, furthering her education and we still were going balls out with hockey, both boys on four teams. It was hectic. The poor woman has had no rest for nine years. It was my turn to pick up the slack. It would end up a great year though. Looking forward to the next one. Happy and Healthy.
Next up: “2006” and Another “Team Belaggio” Event.