Holiday Cheer!

"Twas the Night Before Ceci's Transplant"

'Twas the night before Ceci’s transplant, when all through the city

not a creature was stirring, not even a kitty.

The clipboards were hung by the nurses with care,

in hopes that Dr. Etzl soon would be there.

The patients were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of stem cells danced in their heads.

And Rhonda saying her prayers, and Ceci in her gown,

had just settled down for a night with no sound.

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,

Ceci looked from her bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the hall Ceci saw a glimpse of red,

tore open the door, and “Ho, ho, ho!” he said.

The light on the tile of the newly waxed floor

gave the luster of Ceci’s smile to all who adore,

when, what to Ceci’s wondering eyes should appear,

but Doctors Etzl and Adams and eight nurses near.

With a prick of a needle, so lively and quick,

Ceci knew in a moment she wouldn’t be sick.

More rapid than Etzl, his nurses they came,

and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now, scalpel! Now, gloves!

Now, needle and I-V!

On, doctors! On, nurses!

On, Ryan and Ceci!

To the top of the roof!

To the end of the hall!

Now come nurse! Come doctor!

And come all!"

As everyone gathered they began a quiet hum,

as they met with the obstacle of the surgery to come.

so up to the surgery floor the doctors they flew,

with Ceci herself and Ryan, too.

In what seemed like a moment, Ceci heard on the floor

the dancing and skipping and hopping galore.

As Ceci put out her hand and was looking around,

down the hallway her family came with a bound.

They were crying tears of joy, from Gammy to Aunt Ro,

and Gary and Allan’s smiles told her just what she needed to know.

The transplant had been a success and she suddenly knew,

she had a long, healthy life in her clear view!

Ceci’s eyes--how they twinkled! Her dimples, how merry!

Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry!

Her big, happy smile was drawn up like a bow,

and the gown on her body was as white as the snow.

She reached for her family and they all joined hands,

and they said all at once, “God is grand!”

Ceci has a sweet face and a thin, little belly,

that will soon start growing as she’s eating rolls and jelly.

She was faithful and positive, a right jolly ‘ole girl,

even when life threw her for a whirl.

A wink of her eye and a twist of her head

soon let her family know they had nothing to dread.

Ceci spoke not a word, but the smile on her face,

told everyone she knew, she had run and won the race!

And laying her hand over her heart,

she said, “God and I had this, right from the start.”

“I’ll admit it was hard and no easy coast,

but these are the moments I’m gonna remember most.”

Then Ceci exclaimed, “I don’t care about the loss of time,

Merry Christmas to all! It’s all about THE CLIMB!"

Adapted by: 2009-2010 Arnett six grade.

Big thanks to all of you in Arnett; and especailly Ms. Holloways class your supposrt has touched me.