By Sandie Bilello
Special to the star
My story begins nine years ago. My oldest sister was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. It was such a shock to all of my family. She had two young boys and she fought hard to live to see them grow up. After years of prayer she is now in remission. Then in 2008 my youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age. It felt as if we were living in a bad dream, that this could happen again to our family. She had two very small girls who she wanted to see grow up and do all the girly things with them. After chemotherapy and many surgeries, she is now doing great and we pray in total remission.
Each Christmas my family gets together at my parents' house for lunch. First, we all go through the hustle and bustle of everyone trying to open Santa's gifts, have time with other family members, getting up really early to make it back in time for our lunch and present opening. We all tend to get a little grouchy, but I have come to realize that this is such a special time for my family. This one traditional Christmas meal holds meaning that our family is blessed because mostly we have faith in Jesus Christ and that he has given us this time together. He is our caretaker, provider and Savior. We thank him in our lunchtime prayer for his presence and for his many blessings on our family.
My wish for you this Christmas is that you get to know Jesus. He is a friend beyond all friends and he will handle all your worries and fears.
Merry Christmas!
