“Last Christmas I gave you my heart… But the very next day you gave it away… This year to save me from tears… I’ll give it to someone special.” The Last Christmas song by Wham was a chart-topping hit in 1984 and 1985, respectively.  I think the song has a timeless appeal because we believe we can make next Christmas perfect, or at least a lot better if we just make the ‘right choice.’ About fifteen years ago, I decided to return to college to achieve my bachelor’s degree. I have a very large family so instead of a four-year degree path, the journey to my diploma took nine years. …

I wrote this four years ago. It felt appropriate to update it now. 2017 – Confession ~ Our family received a holiday fruit basket last week. I am 47 but I acted like a 4-year-old upon receiving it. Ungrateful. I delayed thanking the gift-givers (a couple) – and the husband called me to check if it was received. Sheepishly, I thanked him profusely and apologized for being late with thanking them. He shared with me that his wife had had surgery a few months prior – and the co-pay had come due. $35,000.  Instead of dragging out the medical payments, they had paid the balance. I didn’t ask how –…