I'm working mad hours of overtime to pay for my dog's healthcare and my son's Christmas (which he screwed up for himself by finding his packages and opening them - they are re wrapped and I suppose he will learn the lesson that all of us learned as kids. Seeing early takes some of the fun out of the actual day). But even with that, it's quiet in the house with Doggy, Boy and CoMadre asleep and I am happy.

It's weird to feel happy when my dog is dying of cancer, but just for right now, he isn't in pain and the knowing that our time is very limited makes it precious. And wondering how kiddo is going to react tomorrow kind of makes me smile. I've rarely met a person who didn't undertake the gift check sometime in their childhood.

So, I'm kind of alone in being the only one awake late in the night, but really, I'm not. Last Christmas was a different story, so I'm here for anyone who feels lonely. Lonely during this time of year seems to hurt worse.