I wasn’t expecting that one question on the gift exchange. “How was 2018?” We had a baby and our hearts were filled! Four months later, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. The kind that spread from her reproductive organs and into her lungs. The kind that makes you bawl at night while you care for an infant and his 4 year old brother, while momma stays overnight in the hospital for chemo on Thursdays. But, damn, if momma isn’t the strongest woman I’ve ever known. And as of last month, her cancer was in remission.

And so I told my story on my Secret Santa application, about my wife, kids, even our pets. And somehow we got matched with the sweetest, most amazing Santa in the history of Santas. We received box after box of wrapped gifts, each with the best notes! Gifts for everyone, including our cat and dog! My wife cried the happiest tears, and I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see her melt. THAT is the best gift ever given to ME.

Thank you for all the gifts under our tree! I will be sure to post our opened gifts on Christmas morning!

PS. I am signing up to be a Rematcher. I need to make sure I carry this feeling forward.