10 days until Christmas but the season feels much different in our home this year. We’re so incredibly grateful that Jolly is still here with us and that itself is more than enough reason to celebrate. However, the emotional toll these last weeks have taken on him has been immense. I don’t think he and I have ever shed this many tears in our whole lives. Each little family tradition we hold brings more reminders of all Jolly still can’t do but I’m doing my best to show him everything he still can! 

On Friday we were able to take the kids to see Santa and I went and bought him a wheelchair beforehand because we knew it would be too much without one. It was quite the adventure navigating through with the wheelchair but we were so grateful that the experience was accessible so he could be a part of it too.

On Saturday I was finally able to start putting the kids furniture together. Jolly helped by instructing where things should go. He’s always been the handyman of the house so not being able to do things like he used to be able to is hard for him.

He continues to struggle with pain especially at night if he spends too much time up throughout the day. We’re still waiting on the VA to coordinate community care for his primary care doctor and the waiting game has been taxing. On Wednesday we have our initial interview with the VA caregiver program so please keep us in your thoughts for that.

Over the next few days I plan to submit some additional paperwork to our Senators and Congressman to hopefully get some actual traction with the VA. 

If you’d like to send a holiday card to lift Jolly’s spirits please feel free to email me at ashleygonos@outlook.com and I will provide a mailing address. 

We can’t express our gratitude for the continued love and support during this challenging time. Together we can make real lasting change not just for Jolly but for every Veteran experiencing these issues.