They live their lives one day at a time. There are still more good days than bad. They look forward to the future, but just underneath, there is some anxiety and worry.

Yet through it all, they smile and are hopeful. They laugh and plan for the future.

Christmas has come early for me this year. In lots of places these last weeks, I have visited with friends, some old, some new.

These are their stories. They talk about themselves, their lives and careers. They do not hold back.

Listening to their words, their hopes and fears and daily lives will give you a warm feeling of Christmas right now, the very moment you hear about them.

Merry Christmas!