It's Christmas!
Here we are! The Solioz family is in full swing. Here, Christmas has literally become not just a tradition, but a way of life... We've been preparing for this day for 24 days. 24 days that we live to the rhythm of our family traditions, tinsel, original Christmas ornaments, markets, music that we can't get out of our heads even in the middle of August, Advent calendars and all the Christmas magic that often does us a world of good in a busy time of year that's almost always devoid of sunshine. Fortunately, we still have candles, tinsel and chocolate to make up for the lack of brightness.
Everyone's very excited! Traditionally, on December 24, we take out the salmon, put on a Christmas movie (usually the same one) and sleep under the tree.
It's so good to feel your family snuggled up together, rubbing the tacky Christmas socks you found on the doormat on St. Nicholas Day, all dressed in pajamas that are as important as they are ridiculous.
How precious it is to breathe in the scent of your children, while stroking their hair and laughing out loud at that mythical scene from our favorite movie, which we know by heart!
How sweet it will be to wake up tomorrow morning and discover the presents left by Santa Claus (yes, because we all know that anyone can be Santa Claus to someone). How precious it will be to watch the wide eyes of our children, even the older ones, as they unwrap the packages, their hair tousled and not quite awake yet. And for us parents, that's our gift! To have the chance to celebrate Christmas with ALL our family, to be able to put as many place settings on the table as there are names on our family record book, to be able to touch their hair, smell their early-morning scent, and pick up among the papers the socks that have been left next to the tree.
Today, in the immense happiness of this day of celebration, sharing and tradition, I'm thinking of my friend Natalie, I'm thinking of her husband and I'm thinking of their daughter. In fact... I'm thinking of THEIR DAUGHTERS! And I remember that Zoé is no longer here to share all these happy moments with her older sister, and that my friends no longer have the chance to experience all these moments together that I cherish so much...
Deep down, I know that and I understand them so well... Christmas in their house isn't really Christmas anymore. In any case, Christmas will never have the same flavor as it did before October 2013. My mom's heart is serving itself then.
I think of Zoé and I think of all the children I've known who are gone. I think of Adriàn, who also changed my life. I'm thinking of his parents, his brother and sister, whose only gifts will be the memories they leave behind on photos. I think of all those children. I think of their families... I look at my children, tears streaming down my cheeks and I hope with all my heart that one day, no family will have to lose a child to an illness.
I would like to dedicate this day to my precious friends, the Guignards, such a strong and courageous family. This family that continues to move mountains to honor their daughter's fight on behalf of all other families like them.
I would like us to spare a thought for them and for all the families who have to learn to live joyful moments in the immense grief that is always in their hearts.
I wish we could all show our gratitude to children like Zoé, who in spite of themselves, change the world. And I would like, through the stars and the wishes, to tell her everything I think of her. This little girl, who has changed so many things and helped so many families like ours. Zoé, if you only knew what you've brought to our family.
An enveloping warmth invades me and I keep hoping...
On this Christmas Day, a day of sharing and kindness, let's give children with cancer and their families the greatest gift of all. The gift of being able to stay together.
To achieve this, Zoé4life needs your donations. Together, let's make a difference and create change. Isn't that what the magic of Christmas is all about?
With best wishes and Merry Christmas
Gaëlle Solioz, Assistant Manager
Zoé4life
