The Night Before Christmas (from a physician family point of view)
By Amber Stueven
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a pager was beeping, “For once, a quiet house.”
The children were snug, in their beds did they lay,
While Daddy ran resuscitations in the trauma bay.
Another holiday that we’d spend alone,
Waiting for the call he was on his way home.
I texted at midnight: “Is it the end of your day?”
He said “Sorry, running late, MVC on its way.”
I curled in my bed to pout and to mope,
When a noise on the rooftop shocked me with a jolt.
Could it really be Santa? “Oh my, what good luck,”
As he came down the chimney in one giant jump.
I said: “Santa, all I wanted was my husband home,
I feel like I spend every holiday alone.”
With a twinkle in his eye, he kindly did say,
“Now please, don’t be selfish, think how HE spent his day.”
“A facial laceration from a fall on her trike,
Gave quite a scare to a small little tyke.”
“A man needing comfort in the neighboring room,
After trying to end his life far too soon.”
“And a grandpa whose Christmas will not be his last,
Because your husband caught that stemi – correctly and fast.”
“While eggnog, and presents and company are nice,
Let’s remember this time is to think about Christ.”
“As Christ was a healer, so too is your spouse,
And his presence is needed there more than this house.”
He bent his head down and he led me in prayer,
To bless the lives of those who work in healthcare.
Then back up the chimney he made his ascent,
And a brand new perspective was my Christmas present.
I kissed the heads of my children, grateful for their health,
And cried tears of thanks in spite of myself.
I lay back in bed with new hope and revere,
And counted my blessings for another great year.
Then I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of sight,
“Blessed Christmas to you and a wonderful night!”
(Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on Dec. 7, 2016)
Amber Stueven is married to an EM attending in Fort Collins, Colorado. They have two young daughters and multiple pets – the majority being alpacas. Amber is retired from healthcare administration and now enjoys homeschooling her children and running their family farm. You can follow her farming adventures at www.facebook.com/steinadlerfarm or on Instagram/Twitter @steinadlerfarm.
