Christmas

Now, before I start ranting, I have to say that I LOVE Christmas time.  The lights, the magic of the season, the baking, the tree, just about everything.  It makes the world seems less, well, mean.  There is so much going on in the world today, that it's nice to just get behind the wheel of your car, with the child in the car seat and go out looking at all of the light displays, or bake some cookies that you know will make a great gift.

The thing that I don't like about Christmas is the commercialism.  Yes, I know, I buy into it too, but I also see the other (magical) side of it.  I usually don't go out on Black Friday, but this year I did...and won't ever again.  Not that I got into a fight over a television (we're NOT buying a new one), or the latest Dora the Explorer Fairy doll, nope, in fact, I actually helped a woman get the last Dora kitchen set down.  No fist fighting for me, but we skipped Walmart, and thank goodness we did.  That place is ridonkulous.  A friend of mine posted a video of the people waiting for the sale of a waffle maker.  They were like ANIMALS!  People told me about fights breaking out at 9:00 over a television!  Where's the good cheer in that?  I did go out to Target, and to the mall (I had a VIP pass that allowed me to go into the VIP room for free snacks & water, soda, or a choice of hot beverages).  I did get my shopping done, but I could've found the same deals, or better, online.

Yesterday, I took my little peanut up to Princeton to meet with some friends (and former co-workers...some lovely people.  I was very fortunate to have worked with some great people in my time there).  While we were there, one of the Professor Emeriti came over to talk to me.  This man, Professor Edward C. Taylor, is one of my favorite people there.  I heard in his time he was somewhat of a bugger, but I've only known him to be sweet, gentle, and very cheery.  He's also in his late 90's and doesn't look a day over 60.  He's in fabulous shape.  But, that's not the point.  This man, this wonderful man, is responsible for the drug Alimta, which is produced by Eli Lilly.  This drug is saving millions of people's lives, including a very dear family friend, and this one man and his research team are responsible for that.  While I was talking to him, I told him the story, and I just had to give him a huge hug and thank him.  It seemed so little to me, but at the same time, so overwhelming to him.  I swore he had tears in his eyes.  That right there reminded me again of what Christmas is all about.

You see, most people (myself included) are worried about getting just the right gift, getting the gravy just right (this is a running joke in our family), getting the tree decorated, or out-doing the Griswolds with the lights.  In that second of time, it really hit home that while we're all out doing these things, there are people in hospitals dying, or watching their loved ones die, or even people who don't have any family at all.  The only thing that they want for Christmas is more time together.  A cure for the incurable, or even just someone to say hello.  I watched my daughter run all over the atrium and bounce on the chairs (or couches as she calls them), and I wondered how I would be if I were in these people's shoes.  Yes, we want the kiddies to be surprised by what Santa brought, and we want it to be magical.  But, what about giving back?  What about the people who don't have anything or anyone?  That is what Professor Taylor is doing, and not just at Christmas, but all year round.

I don't know what Professor Taylor thought of my story.  I know that he was pretty excited to hear it.  I can only imagine how I would feel knowing that millions of lives were better because of something that I did, or developed.  It really makes me want to make an indelible mark on society.  I want to go out and do something that no one has done before, something that will impact numerous lives.  But what?  I'm not a chemist, I'm not anyone famous, and I sure as heck am not rich.  Then the answer struck me, just be happy.  Spread that happiness to others, or at least try to.  Teach my daughter to love everyone, even if they aren't the best person.  You don't know what is going on in their lives.  Yes, it is a tough tough thing to do, but hey, I can try, can't I?