I called Dad on Dec. 24, and spoke to him. He was glad to hear from me, and wished me a Merry Christmas back. I asked him what he remembered or liked most about Christmas when he was a kid, and he said that he most liked waking up early in the morning to see the tree with all the others, and his father blowing the horn. I think I had forgotten that that tradition came from Grandpa Dancy! (Mom confirmed later that's where they got the idea.) He also spoke about his medication and that he would be okay if they didn't kill him first, and something about what he saw on tv about the medication killing people and with the tree (I had asked him about a Christmas tree where he was), but that his aide told him he should just do what the aide told him (take the medicine). Overall, he was about 60% coherent, and glad to chat. He didn't seem to have changed much since the summertime.

The next day, I called Cathy's house, and spoke to him again. He was enjoying the good food and the presents, and that he didn't deserve it all (or something to that effect). He was clearly in a good mood.

Love to all,

Jennie