I haven’t wanted to post too much about the ornaments yet since there are still ones I need to make and still ones that I need to deliver and I don’t want to spoil any surprises.
But… I like a little kid at Christmas… I just can’t wait anymore… and I got a lovely message today that just put me over the top… no more waiting… I’ll go into more detail later… but here’s a preview…

Cinnamon ornament that was delivered to AFD
Today, I got a great message from one of the AFD firefighters and it just made my day…
Thanks so much for the gift of the Christmas ornament in John’s memory. I will treasure it always, and it will hang on my tree every year for the rest of my life. That was very thoughtful of you, and it is much appreciated. John, you, and Nathaniel are in my thoughts, and prayers this holiday season, and always.
A few days ago, I heard from another firefighter that the ornament made it onto the “fun tree.” In their household they have two trees… the “fun tree” and the “serious tree.” When I gave him the ornament he was leaning towards putting it on the “fun tree” because he thought John was a “fun” guy. We talked about the ornaments on the fun tree and there were a few that John would like… Garfield and Star Wars are the ones I recall. I heard that John’s ornament was placed between two Star Wars characters. I think he’d like that choice.
I was also able to give an ornament to John’s dermatologist, Dr. Jaffe. He really liked it and that made my day.
I also gave one to my friend who doesn’t celebrate Christmas. I think she was afraid it would be an awkward moment where she says “‘thanks” and I exit stage left rapidly. Instead she really liked it. Phew. I’ve had enough awkward moments to last a lifetime. I told her that it doesn’t have to be a “Christmas” ornament… it can simply be used as an awareness ribbon.
I don’t have the power to do a whole lot, but I wanted to show people how much I appreciate them and show thanks, honor John’s memory, and do what little I can do to spread melanoma awareness. I think I may have achieved it… now I just need to find the time to make more…