I started December with the kind of peace I once only dreamed of—sitting by the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa, and actually enjoying the twinkling lights. It wasn’t always like this. The holiday season used to feel more like a survival mission—navigating festive chaos while dealing with the constant, unrelenting ringing in my ears.

This past Thanksgiving, the pumpkin pie wasn’t the one thing that lingered. A quiet moment with my aunt left me thinking long after the dishes were cleared. She’s always been the glue of our family, telling stories that make us laugh until we cry. But this year, something was different.

“What did you say?”

You turn to the person next to you, expecting them to repeat themselves, but they just give you a puzzled look.