Christmas Letter?

It's getting late and we usually send out a Christmas letter talking about family happenings over the last year. Do I put in something about my surgery and my current health... or is it a 'personal' matter? I really feel I should talk about it, but can't quite figure out how to tell the whole story. (Some people can be very supportive while others can't fully understand the need for the surgery.) I guess people will obviously see a difference and I'll have to say something. Just wanted to get some feedback and see how others are handling it. Thanks, Mike

Good morning Mike, If you feel you are ready to tell your story about your surgery I would do it!! I think a Christmas letter about family happenings is the perfect place for it. You could say something like...."this past year has had me/us on a wonderful new adventure to better health and a better a life"....or maybe something like..."another year has gone by and this year I focused on getting healthy"...then explain how you did that...if you keep the fact that you had the surgery on a very positive note and explained the although the surgery has its risks (like any other surgery) the final outcome IS that you are healthier and happier and have a better life to look forward to, I think you will find most people to be more curious and supportive and the ones that don't fully understand the need for surgery...well...unless they walk a mile in your shoes? or look into the surgery and gather all the information like you have?...they probably will never understand it but I think they will still be happy to hear you are doing well and have done this to better your health! Good luck with the letter!...take care and have a good week! ~hugs~ Konni

Hi Mike~ I've been very open with everyone about my surgery and have never gotten negative feedback when I've spoken about it, but I know that for some people, as you said, the need for surgery is a difficult concept to understand. Maybe you could just put something in there about how your health is improving as a result of your surgery (or omit the surgery part if you feel uncomfortable with it)? I update everyone monthly when I post my updates on my website so there are few friends/family members who are not aware of what I have done. Just my .02 Happy holidays to you and yours, Cathy