Nothing this year.Wasnt really anything that I needed or wanted,that I could think of anyway.So I didnt bother giving out a list of ''hints'' to various family members....
The best Christmas present I could get (or any other kind) is still being alive.Actually not just alive but stronger now & thriving than before my Covid episode & sudden trip to the hospital 2 years ago.When I was wheeled into the ER via ambulance ride (unconscious) I ended up staying 31 days before going home. Under a morphine (or something else) induced coma for 50 some hours while the doctors & nurses worked their magic in keeping me alive - (went in on a Fri afternoon,woke up late Sunday evening) in the ICU not knowing who I was,or where I was at. 3 heart stoppages in a couple hours thanks to Covid caused blood clots on heart,1 lung,bronchial pneumonia with a high fever,among other issues.Losing 30 pounds,no solid food for 22 days,just IV delivering my meds,various nutrients,on respirator the first 3 days,the first 3-4 days were the worst,even after I woke up.
Its been over 2 years & there's still things I dont remember happening,bits & pieces have gradually come back,plus staying in contact with a couple of the wonderful nurses who have filled in some of the details what happened,what I said/did the first 3 days.I'd always heard that your mind blocks out at least part of certain traumatic events as a protection measure,that makes sense to me.
Spending Christmas & New Year's Day in the hospital wasnt much fun (even with the incredibly nice & caring nurses keeping me company & putting up with my stubborness,sarcasm and warped sense of humor,most of them thought it was hilarious,which was nice for a change) Once you go through a traumatic experience like that & literally survive it really changes your perspective on things,I certainly dont take any ordinary things for granted now.....