The 12 Gifts of Christmas

I have already opened so many Christmas gifts. I have been so blessed this holiday season. I've decided to do my own version on the 12 Days of Christmas. This idea was inspired by a sermon I heard at the beginning of December.

The Twelve Gifts of Christmas

My first gift was the fact that Mom, Dad, and my former physical therapist, Jodi all came to Lessons and Carols which is a Christmas service I read at. Seeing Jodi brought me to tears. Whenever I see someone from my past at Elmhurst College that helped me get to where I am now, it is a surreal feeling because they helped me live my dream. I can't even think of words to describe that feeling.

My second gift was that the school choir did a Christmas concert. I absolutely love Christmas music and something as simple as hearing my favorite Christmas tunes lives is a gift.

My third gift was picking out gifts for my friends and assistants. Part of the joy of this marvelous season is the satisfaction that comes with finding that perfect gift for someone. I know Christmas is not about the gifts however, giving gifts elates me.

My fourth gift is that I have worked extremely hard this semester in my academics and I am finding it is truly paying off. Since a significant part of my identity is being a student, it is such a great feeling.

My fifth gift was that a certain professor and I really bonded over the semester and she actually was the one who approved the independent study for next semester. And it was really funny because after our last class together she rushed off and I was a little confused because she had left without saying good-bye. The next morning I received an e-mail from her explaining that she had been late to a meeting and was looking forward to working with me next semester.

My sixth gift is actually quite the story. I decided to go to a fraternity's Christmas function. I was all ready and dolled up and looking forward to a great night. My assistant Jessie and I head out to the buses and the fraternity had not ordered buses with lifts. I felt my heart sink to my feet; I knew it was not good. When the fraternity men saw me, it took about two seconds to realize that we had a huge problem. They immediately called the bus company. They couldn't help us. They tried getting the Elmhurst College shuttles. The accessible shuttle doesn't work on weekends. They tried local taxis. Nothing. I did not end up going. However, the humanity displayed that night was a true gift.

My seventh gift would be having the privilege of helping a friend. My friend Danielle from Camp Courage recently lost her boyfriend. My heart has been with her through the six weeks that he was in hospice. It was emotionally draining to see a dear friend in so much pain but she is being so strong. It's unbelievable. As for her boyfriend, Cullen, I can tell you with great confidence that the world has lost an angel. So many people help me, it was nice to be the one helping not receiving.

My eighth gift is the fact that I have been able to grow so much in my faith. It really helps on difficult days to have that strong faith. I will admit, it's the end of a difficult semester and I am exhausted and my faith is incredibly helpful.

My ninth gift is that my technology has been working. KNOCK ON WOOD. Yes, everything has been working except for a few small things.

My tenth gift is that my dear friends who visited me this summer, Nicole and Joe, from Camp Courage GOT ENGAGED! I am beyond thrilled for them. They will make such a wonderful married couple and eventually family.

My eleventh gift is receiving a new title. My cousin Lauren and her husband Scott have asked me to be the baby's godmother. This is not only an honor and a privilege but a gift! I take this role extremely seriously and I cannot wait to hold my Godson.

My twelfth gift would definitely be everyone who is reading this blog. I don't think you can understand how much you keep me going. I am constantly thinking about the best way to act, how to handle a crisis, how to be a good friend, and how to be the best person I can be because I know so many people consider me to be a roll model which is a incredible compliment. For that, dear readers, I am eternally grateful. I did not expect my blog to be what it is. I really didn't. I am so thankful that it turned out to be what it is. When something completely exceeds your highest expectations, it is a true gift that Webster's dictionary does not have words for. I hope I have inspired, moved, and somehow touched your lives. I do not write for myself, I write for others.

Have a Blessed Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas and I will write to you in 2011,
Hannah!

P.S. For all the Christmas party guests, I am so excited