On the eve of a great adventure.  

On the eve of our final Christmas together.  

On the eve of being released...  

He was near the end.  

A violent fight was drawing to a close.  

I folded the map in half and headed east.  

Plane, landing gears, touchdown, ICU.  

He looked at peace; a man tired of the war.  

There was a glimmer of hope.  

Critical is what they called the next few hours.  

I steadied myself. I attempted to do the same for my family.  

A holiday defined by a week-long hospital stay.  

Each day saw small wins.  

Hope hung thick in the air.  

He survived this round, but the damage was done.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan