At the North Pole, December is usually filled with lists, laughter, and the soft hum of toy-making machines. But this year, something far heavier than snow settled into Mrs. Claus’s heart.
It started with something responsible. Ordinary. Preventative.
A routine ultrasound and mammogram, because even the most magical women know that taking care of themselves is part of taking care of everyone else.
Mrs. Claus has spent years reminding others to eat well, rest up, and stay warm. But like so many caregivers, she nearly brushed off her own appointment. There are cookies to bake. Elves to organize. A Santa to supervise. Still, she went. Because prevention matters.
When “Just in Case” Turns Into “We Need Another Test”
The screening led to more tests. Then a biopsy.
And suddenly, the waiting began.
Those days felt endless. Every tick of the North Pole clock echoed louder than a reindeer’s hooves on the roof. Mrs. Claus smiled for the elves, stirred the cocoa, and folded Santa’s sweaters, but inside, fear crept in.
For the first time, it felt like the Grinch himself might steal Christmas, not with mischief, but with uncertainty.
The biopsy came back negative, a huge relief, but there were still “areas of concern.” More ultrasounds. More waiting. More moments alone with her thoughts.
This is the part no one prepares you for: when the results aren’t bad… but they’re not finished either.
| Enter Cindy Lou (Yes, That Cindy Lou) Then came the moment that changed everything. With a knock as gentle as falling snow, Cindy Lou arrived, clipboard in hand, eyes kind, voice steady. And just like that, the words Mrs. Claus had been holding her breath for finally arrived: Everything looks negative. No cancer. No Grinch. No stolen Christmas. The weight lifted. The North Pole sparkled again. Mrs. Claus exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding for weeks. This is courage. This is prevention. This is what it looks like when someone chooses themselves, even when everyone else depends on them. Mrs. Claus is back to her duties, stronger and wiser, with a message she wants to share far beyond the North Pole: Schedule your preventative care in 2026. Don’t skip the mammogram. Don’t delay the ultrasound. Listen to your body and your doctors. Because without self-care, we cannot care for anyone else. So pour yourself a cup of cocoa, make the appointment, and remember: even Mrs. Claus needed to pause, take care of herself, and trust the process. And thanks to prevention and a little help from Cindy Lou, Christmas is still coming after all. |
| “I just wanted to make sure no one was forgotten.” – Cindy Lou Who Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season, Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director 860-430-4557 info@urcommunitycares.org www.urcommunitycares.org |
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