Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Did you happen to recognize the blog title I borrowed from this famous Christmas song? Written by John Lennon of the Beatles, it is hard to believe it has been 40 years since we lost this great talent in music and the world.
Christmas is my favorite time of year, favorite holiday and at the center of my favorite memories.
If you have ever listened to the lyrics of this song, they are quite meaningful to me. The words ring true and are important for us to remember and understand during these trying times we are living in right now. Christmas can seem to always soothe hard times and conversely, unfortunately, open up more worries as well. But why worry? It creates added stress and negative energy you can never get back.
“So this is Christmas, And what have you done? Another year over, A new one just begun.”
This reminds me to reflect over the year. How was it? We never quite accomplish everything we set out to, but whatever we didn’t accomplish this year … a new year is about to begin. Those things can travel right to the top of the list. 😊
How has your journey been this past year? What can we do better to face our challenge as we go into next year? Being ever grateful for another year and another opportunity to improve our experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones to help with making this journey better. They want to help. Let them.
YOU ARE NOT A BURDEN.
And if it seems you are? You are asking the wrong people. Start asking the right people. Those caregivers that understand your situation and eager to lend a hand.
Christmas reminds me of so many awesome things from childhood to every year after as I am getting older and become even more appreciative of those memories.
I live most of my memories through music and photos. I can place where I was and what I was doing for most songs.
Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra’s Christmas album brings back so many memories with each song on that album. It reminds me of my Mom and family in Canada where we spent most of our Christmas and New Year’s Holidays. Even today, my kids know of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
There are so many others. Andy Williams, Ray Conniff and The Singers, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis. All classics, no doubt.
The memorable Nat King Cole, singing “The Christmas Song,” also known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” My Mom and Aunt Kay would sit for hours listening and singing along to these classics.
Mariah Carey’s classic, “All I want For Christmas is …” You can fill in the blank. 😊
“White Christmas,” sung by Bing Crosby, oh yes. Plus, the movie with Bing, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. My kids watch this with us every year. And “Home Alone,” of course. LOL
Decorating the dining table, the house inside and out is still so heartwarming for me. I love our family Christmas, and I remember those Christmases before our children that were also blessings.
In our household we celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is especially important to us and our kids. We attend Christmas Eve mass. Sigh…
In Canada we used to go to Ottawa to the amazing church, St. Matthew’s, The Anglican Church in The Glebe. My cousin Terry and I were both baptized there on the same day.
On Christmas Eve, they had a boys choir. It was a beautiful service and I loved being there with my family every year – it was so special. As time went by and we lost some of our loved ones. The church changed, but not the importance of going together. 😊
Christmas can be a difficult time for many. Some are alone and isolated. Especially this year with COVID-19. If you are one of those people, don’t be alone. Reach out to someone. Reach out on social media or send me an email via my friends at CAIRE – caire.medical@caireinc.com.
If we know of someone who might be alone my friends, I encourage you to reach out to them. Check in. See how they are doing.
Kindness isn’t expensive, but so valuable.
Think of those days when it’s not going so well, it’s nice to hear a familiar voice.
What are some of your traditions or memories? Some people hang reminders on their Christmas tree, with each ornament having a story and memory. Very cool.
Some hide the pickle for someone to find the next morning. They get to open the first present! LOL
Others hang Christmas cards to remember and decorate. Now, we have picture cards, also a great way to see how kids have grown from year to year. Or how families have grown, and people changed over the years.
I like the recipe and cooking shares that people have. Since, I have been cooking more, I have some great ideas each year for dinner and desserts.
There are so many ways to connect this time of year. Wish it were all year.
We had our last support group with the Cleveland Clinic last night. It was so nice to see and hear what people were doing and how they have been coping this past year. Everyone wants to hear a familiar voice now and then.
My friends, stay connected, stay strong, and if you need help, ask for it.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Laugh every day
Touch a Heart
Smile at someone
Lots of Love to you all,
Coach Bob, a.k.a. Oxygen Man, LOL
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.