Eric is sixteen. He is charming, smart and so energetically available that you just want to grab him and steal away out the back door to take him home with you, even though he belongs to the best parents in the world. He has spent most of his life fighting cancer in one part after another of his body. His parents are incredibly courageous, loving people who have moved mountains to get him the best possible care. Time after time, they breathe in the belief that they have beat the C-enemy only to be overwhelmed and overpowered with the grief of oh God, not again. His sister sits vigil after chemo and tells him he looks even more marvelous without his hair each time. Mom and Dad have investigated every possible medical and holistic therapy, seen the best healers and doctors and have spoken to God a million or more times. Psychics tell them Eric has beaten it. Doctors tell them Eric has beaten it. And what does Eric think? Well, Eric has given me a new perspective about the holidays.
(more…)