Remembering this date in history

December 7 is one of those days that is hard to forget. Of course December 7, 1941 was the day America was attacked at Pearl Harbor. One of the consequences of that event is that both our fathers-to-be served in the war: mine in Europe, and Karen’s in the Pacific. I saw my father (more accurately, he saw me) briefly a few days after I was born, and then next some two years later, at which time, I am told, I told him in child-talk to get his hands off my mother.

Another reason to remember December 7 is that three years ago, December 7, 2005, Karen had her final chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. It was an uneventful treatment, unlike her first couple in which her reaction was so severe we were very afraid. When we returned from the hospital the kids had decorated the house with ribbons and welcome signs and had dinner cooking—a very welcome surprise.

Like every cancer survivor, I suppose, she sees each day as a gift, and the anniversary of completion of treatment is a special day of thanks. And, I agree.