[DeltAlum]

The year certainly had its ups and downs, but Christmas Eve and Day were memorable.

The In-Laws have been visiting from Ohio and last night we went to an early service where our oldest daughter (who performs in musical theatre here in town) did a breathtaking solo of "Oh Holy Night" at a huge local church. Next was a small party at friends where the husband is Jewish and wife is Christian, and then a candlelight service at our church where wife sang in the choir.

This morning, middle daughter, husband and our 15 month old grand daughter came over -- very nice. This evening, oldest daughter, husband and step daughter came by for dinner and presant exchange.

Son is home from college and having a relaxing visit with us and high school friends.

But, the most memorable thing was at noon. The mother of one of our son's young woman friends from high school (They were the two "Outstanding" students in their graduating class and school district, and performed in theatre and choirs together for four years), anyway, the mother has very serious cancer. At noon, about 50 performing artists (students and parents) from the high school and local professional and community theatre went to their house to carol. It was organized the the chairman of the high school Performing Arts Department and was a huge surprize for them, and very moving experience for everyone. The mom, who was a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer in Performing Arts at all levels, and now has twin daughters in the program, just had a total transfussion and chemo during the past two days. Families in the Department, including us, have been providing dinners for the family every night since the treatment started.

The reaction of this family this afternoon made the entire holiday season worthwhile somehow.

Merry Christmas.