Every Christmas since at least  1999, our family has gone to our local hospital on Christmas afternoon to do a series of 5-10 minute shows, going room to room for those unfortunate enough to be in the hospital on December 25.  When our oldest daughter who now lives in Austin, Texas, was making her travel plans home this holiday season, she asked if we'd be doing it again. When we told her yes, and asked if that was okay with her, she told us how much it has meant OT her through the years and was really glad we would still go.

So, on Christmas afternoon, 2016, once again we grabbed a small crate full of props and went to our small, local hospital.  As we were heading out the door, our youngest daughter, Rose, 15, said,"Wait. We have a lot of sweets; let's make a plate for the nurses who have to work today."  My wife, Sue, quickly prepared a plate, and we headed to our gig.  

There were 17 patients in the hospital on Christmas, a fairly large number for a Christmas Day.  Many of the folks were not up for visits, or were sleeping, but we visited six or seven rooms.  One room had four or five visitors, including two kids. We had a lot of fun there.  In each room, both of the girls got into the show (we have three daughters, but one was not able to get home fro Christmas). Jo and I passed six balls between us, and Rose juggled machetes. Both performed magic tricks, and of course, I did some routines too.

After our mini shows, Sue would then come in to say hello and give the patients a copy of "A Piece of Bosco", my book of blogs, poems, etc. The highlight, though, is that the nurse who attended all three of our daughters' births was working that day, and we had a chance to catch up a little with her.  What a character!  And what a merry Christmas afternoon.