Cancer, Interview.

I was devastated. Newly engaged, it was my first Christmas back home with my family after many years. But with no seniority, I had little clout to get Christmas off while my dedicated colleagues worked. While lamenting my predicament, I came up with an idea. Since I couldn't be with my family, I would bring my family to the hospice. With the patients and their families struggling through their last Christmases together, maybe this gathering …

…lt closer, bonded in purpose and spirit. Since that Christmas of 1979, my family has been blessed with many Christmases together-but I think that one was the best. Like author William Shore, I, too, believe that when you give to others and give to the community, you create something within yourself that is important and lasting. He calls it the, "Cathedral Within." Our family cathedral is a little stronger for the privilege of giving that Christmas.