Back to normal...sort of.

This Christmas has had extra significance for the Daniels, for several reasons. First, we decided to incorporate the ancient English traditon of opening our presents on Boxing Day (for you pugilists, this has nothing to do with trunks, gloves, or the WBF; it is the day after Christmas, the day on which people open their boxes). Our interest was purely utilitarian, however, as Lydia, Connor, Sam, and I (Tim) were en route from Seattle to Houston on Christmas day and didn't arrive at the Pogue's until after 9:30pm. The primary reason for its significance to us was, of course, that we got to celebrate Christmas together after nearly a month apart.
I recognize that many people (I'm thinking especially of soldiers and their families) are apart for greater periods of time and miss many holidays in a row, but I thank the Lord for this blessing of His grace in our home, made possible through the generosity of a number of friends. I mentioned in church on Sunday that this has been another display of God's abundance toward His children--not only are we able to be together but, unbeknownst to us, the tickets to get us here are all round-trip, first-class! Sam is hardly visible in the middle of all that space.
Debbie looks beautiful. Elizabeth looks beautiful. There is nothing of great consequence to report about Biz's treatment--she goes, she reclines, they strap her in, they radiate, they let her out, and she returns to the lounge smiling. She doesn't even have to change into hospital gowns. These first few weeks are quite inconsistent, with several days for Christmas and several for the New Year (shceduled maintenance) without appointments. We've been assured that these gaps will not hinder effectiveness, but we really have no concern about that because we know that the Lord has factored all of this into His plan for Biz. Some change in the treatment schedule has pushed her return date back to February 2nd, however.
Right now we're just enjoying being together. We plan to see National Treasure 2, go mini-golfing, and eat out at a Tex-Mex favorite. I've spent the last couple of days going to treatments, building Star-Wars Legos, and encouraging patience in little boys whose Christmas money is burning a whole in their pockets. Deb has spent hers going to treatments, giving haircuts, and navigating for a husband with so little sense of direction that it's scary.
I guess things are back to normal...sort of.