This week my husband walked in the door with two beautiful poinsettias to add to the Christmas decorations in our home. It always makes me smile because it is tradition in our home and has been since December of 2014. This is the story and tradition of our Christmas poinsettia.
A Look back to Christmas 2014
December 1, 2014, was a significant day in my life. I was wheeled into surgery to have my DIEP flap breast reconstruction with a highly skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. We did a special interview looking back at that day that you can listen to on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
My husband and I got up before dawn that morning and made our way through the maze at the hospital parking lot and halls to check in. We traveled from Arizona to San Antonio by plane for my surgery. I booked us at a nearby Airbnb. My husband brought his laptop so he could continue working while I recovered in hospital. He is also not a fan of hospitals, so I wanted him to have a place to sit quietly and work in comfort without the constant buzz of the hospital.
I decorated our home simply that year before we flew to San Antonio knowing I wouldn’t be able to put decorations up after we traveled home. It generally takes six weeks to get permission to begin lifting more than ten pounds and to begin exercising after DIEP flap. Keeping Christmas simple was important not only to me but to my wonderful caregivers, my husband and two grown sons.
Recovery in Hospital During the Christmas Holiday
We did enjoy the decorations in the San Antonio area and around the hospital during our two weeks stay. Even though I was a bit groggy while recovering in hospital, the holiday decorations lifted my own spirits. I thought often about all the healthcare workers who took care of me during that time. They got up early morning hours every day to arrive at the hospital. Surgeons, nurses, hospital staff who assisted the nurses and staff who helped keep the rooms hygienic were part of what made my stay successful and my recovery practically seamless.
I will admit I missed some of my favorite holiday foods and beverages. When I had my breast reconstruction in 2014, the practice I went to was not using ERAS protocol yet. I believed they started shortly after my hospital stay. I mention this because my diet was restrictive for two to three days. Things have changed now but I really was craving something sweet.
When my diet was finally lifted after a couple of days my husband walked in with my first treat. I enjoyed a delicious peppermint shake that really spun my happy meter! We sat and played our favorite family game, backgammon, while I slowly enjoyed the creamy, sweet shake.
The Meaning Behind the Christmas Poinsettia
One morning, after I was off my pain pump, more awake, and walking the halls at least three to four times a day, my husband walked into the room with a beautiful red poinsettia. What can I say? He was smiling, I was smiling, and the nurses and healthcare staff smiled and said how pretty it was when they were in my room. This was the beginning of the Christmas poinsettia tradition at our home.
Each year since 2014 my husband walks through the door during December with poinsettias. You might guess I remember with great nostalgia, the day he walked into my hospital room after my DIEP flap surgery. I am writing this blog on December 12, 2024. This day has been set aside as National Poinsettia Day. From this website you will read:
Symbolically, the red flame-like Cuetlaxóchitl, also, bloomed during the winter solstice and signaled the start of a new cycle of life.
from: https://thursd.com/
How appropriate to sit on the window shelf of my hospital room to signify the rebirth I experienced to have my breasts rebuilt after a double mastectomy just seven months before that day. I told my husband today; I am dedicating this blog to you. I accidentally came across something on the internet today informing me it was #NationalPoinsettiaDay. It was just yesterday he walked into the house smiling, carrying our traditional Christmas poinsettia.
What a beautiful story! Now when I see a poinsettia, I will see it the way you do, as a rebirth and a sign of hope. Thank you for sharing,
Mary, I am so glad this story resonates with you. What a lovely comment and you are so very welcome. Thank you for stopping by the Journey to read the blog. I wish you a very Happy New Year!
~ Terri