Thanks to the writer of The Night Before Christmas, which my Dad used read me and is a wonderful story. I’ve totally ripped it off, but all in the spirit of good fun. There are many original lines within this version, and they are – of course – the most beautiful.
Tomorrow is my very last chemotherapy. WoHOOO!
The Night Before Chemo
Twas the night before chemo and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The picc line was wrapped on my arm with great care
In hopes that a nurse would soon make it bare
My parents were nestled all snug in their bed
As wheat-free cookies danced in their head
And me in my pyjamas, bald head in a cap
All settled and cozy for a long winter’s nap
When out on the lawn arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I moved in a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Shone like the hospital scrubbed to a glow
When what to my wandering eye should appear
But a glimpse of the future, now approaching so near
With a sack full of hope, packed full and so thick
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick
More rapid than eagles his courses they came
And he whistled and waved and called me by name
“Now Catherine, now girl! Now don’t give up fighting.
Life is a changing and that’s right exciting!
To the end of tomorrow, to the end of the year
And into the future, you’ll live with no fear!”
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread
“Your chemo is coming and nearly is done.
Life is now waiting and it’s promised good fun.
Let Christmas release you from this long test
As the new year Catherine, holds only the best.”
He sprang to his sleigh, to his deer gave a whistle
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle
But I heard him exclaim , as he flew high out of sight
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
And good night to you – I’m up way too late considering it’s chemo tomorrow!
Bumpyboobs ~CatherineBrunelleWrites 
I like your version better than the old one! By the time you read this response, you will be through all the chemo! Way to go, and now to enjoy the Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake.
I’ve been thinking about you lots today and I’ve been excited to think that it is your last treatment. How exciting that is. I am sending you lots of positive, healing energy for this last one.
Take very good care of yourself my dear and do celebrate Christmas and life.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Lots of peace health and happiness for 2011 and many many more years to come 🙂
Thats beautiful, Catherine. All the best and have a wonderful, happy Christmas!
Hi Catherine,
Really beautiful and uplifting. Words can’t describe how much I like your poem. Good job!
Wishing you good health, joy and peace.
Catherine,
After reading your version of the “Night Before Christmas” it is amazing to see how you are gifted as a writer and as an optimist. You are an encourager, cheerleader not only for those of us who read it, but for yourself as well.
My prayer for you as we enter a new year is this:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the strength that you have given Catherine and for the gift of writing and encouragement. Please bring her and Zolst a year filled with health and many blessings. Please make a way for both of them to come to Canada.
I also ask Lord that you would continue to pour in your strength, healing and love.
May Catherine truly be blessed now and in the New Year.
Catherine,
I believe God has an important plan for you. He always has, however I wonder if your story will not assist many women through their own journey of Breast cancer. I wonder if you have thought of writing a book about your experiences and having them published. I would love to read it if you choose to do it.
Merry Christmas to you, Zolst, Uncle Tony, Aunt Marcel, J.P. and Daniel.
Carolyn
This is wonderful – uplifting and soulful at the same time, thanks so much for sending me the link 🙂 P