Saturday, December 27, 2025 – Day 501

Saturday, December 27, 2025

REPOSTING DUE TO NOTIFICATION ERRORS

Good morning, everyone.

It’s cold and flu season, and these days I’m much more aware of it than I ever used to be. The holidays bring so much warmth—time with family, shared meals, laughter, and generosity, but they also carry the quiet risk of illness. For most of my life, that risk barely registered. I trusted my body to do what it had always done: fight, recover, move on. ALS has changed that trust. It’s a betrayal unlike any experience I’ve ever faced. I’m still learning to accept.

This morning, I feel okay. Cindy has a head cold and has been masked and gloved around the house, carefully protecting me in every way she can. Others in our close circle have been sick or close to it, which naturally gives me pause. My respiratory system is no longer what it once was, and that reality places me firmly in the high-risk category. It’s not a label I like, but it’s one I respect. So for now, I’ll stay close to home, grateful for each healthy day and hopeful that caution, my vaccinations, and some luck will carry me safely through this cold and flu season.

Christmas Day brought a small but meaningful reminder of light, kindness, and purpose. Our neighbor Marty stopped by with a couple of his grandkids, carrying a hand-drawn Christmas card to thank me for hanging the Moravian star all these years. I wasn’t able to greet, but their card said it all. Whenever the grandkids would visit, Sue would always tell that the kids would head to the window at night to spy the star: Knowing that something so simple brings them joy means a lot to me…and they took the time to tell me. Thank you.🙏

I’ve written about that star many times, including the new one we put up this fall—thanks entirely to Mark and Fred, who did all the hard work. Because of them, it shines again, steady and bright.

Then there was last week’s note from Robyn, a college friend, telling me that her husband Jim put a Moravian star up in their home to remind them of me. That stopped me in my tracks—in the best possible way. She went on to say she bought stars for the other college roommates so they could hang them too. A small gesture, quietly powerful, and filled with love. 💕 Thank you!🙏

It’s humbling to think that something I’ve done year after year—without much thought—has taken on a life of its own. The Moravian star now shines in places I may never see, carrying light, hope, and connection far beyond our window. I can’t think of a better symbol for this season and many seasons to come.

May it light your path gently and steadily, wherever your journey takes you.

Have a peaceful Saturday. Stay well, and travel safely as you make your way home from the holidays.

Love you guys. ❤️