Dinosaur Christmas

Synopsis:  A young boy fighting cancer is believed not to make it through Christmas, so he is given the chance of a lifetime from Make a Wish.   He decides he wants his Christmas dino themed and Jeff Goldblum makes a surprise visit.  What’s even more spectacular is Spencer makes a comeback in a big way and later becomes a paleontologist.  

Chapter 1—We Can’t Lose Hope 

Spencer Halloway was beloved at the Children’s Wing in Grace Hospital.    Everyone who was anyone working there knew him.   He had a natural ability to make other kids forget their pain and plight and was instantly likeable.    He was a kid that had a very stable head on his shoulders and was far older than his 7 years allotted him.     

‘Please, tell us, doctor.   Just give us the news.’, Spencer’s dad, Carl, shakily said in the doctor’s private room.    Carl held his wife Jacinta closely and clasped his hands over hers.  

‘You guys know the drill.   We’ve been through this before.   Spencer is a real trooper and a hell of a fighter.’, the doctor began.    He gravely went over the probability of him overcoming his cancer at this time.   Christmas was only 8 days away and it was predicted that he wouldn’t make it this time around since he was so weak.

‘Wasn’t he doing better though ?   What can we do ?  We’re doing everything we can for him.  Both of us have worked hard, even starting Go Fund Mes and side hustles for his benefit.  His older brother Terrin is going to be heartbroken.   You see, Terrin, despite his age, really looks up to Spencer.   Terrin’s the exact opposite of him.   It’s so funny how two of your own flesh and blood can be so unique.’, Jacinta laughed shakily.   She wiped errant tears from her eyes and patted Carl’s hands.   

‘He’s going to pull through this.  We didn’t think he would make it to his 7th birthday last year when we put him through the new treatment.’, Carl stated optimistically.  

‘Yes, that is true.   But we need to honor him.   You have to understand we are doing everything in our power to help him, but now it’s his battle.’, the doctor stated gravely.    

‘God will get us through.  He’s held our hands through many obstacles far worse than this.’, Jacinta responded, her lower lip quivering.    It wasn’t the news they had been hoping for, but they walked away, knowing what it is they had to do.    Even if it meant they wouldn’t be spending another Christmas with their youngest son together as a family and it would be an immensely difficult yuletide, they would remain faithful, strong and listen to what Spencer wanted this year.  

Chapter 2—It Must Have Dinosaurs !

Although Terrin couldn’t see Spencer due to his winter flu, Spencer was glad that his older brother was healing.   

‘Hey, maybe I can blow this poop stand this Christmas and actually celebrate with you !’, he said, optimistically.   Carl heavily patted his son’s shoulder and fought back bitter tears spiked with rage.    

‘Here’s the thing, you mightn’t.’, he said.    Spencer had a rule that conversations should always been truthful even when they cut to the quick.   

‘Then I only have one request.   Bring Terrin to my dinosaur Christmas.’, he proposed.   

‘Dinosaurs ?  I think that’s easy to do.   We have 7 days to make this a reality.   Terrin will be more than happy to celebrate with you.’, Jacinta said, doing her best to thwart the tears nipping at her lacrimal glands.    

It didn’t take the parents long to overcome their initial feelings of anger and sorrow.   All they could ponder on now was how to make this Christmas one that Spencer wouldn’t forget. 

Chapter 3—Everyone Helps 

Neighbor after neighbor had helped with dinosaur themed toys, games and movies.   His story had even gotten the attention of a local news group and the tale, oddly went national.   It had moved so many people that even Jeff Goldblum himself had seen it.    That week after the ‘special story’ had aired, Mr. Goldblum called the Halloways and asked if he could be a part of this ‘Dinosaur Christmas’. 

‘His favorite movie is Jurassic Park, isn’t it ?’ the actor inquired.    At first, the parents were too stunned to supply an answer.    

‘Of course.   We appreciate this more than you could know.’, Carl said excitedly.   As soon as he had hung up, Terrin looked at them and squealed.

‘Oh my GOD, this is going to be epic !’, he exclaimed.     

Chapter 4—Spencer the Trooper 

Christmas came and many dino-themed songs were pumped in softly over Spencer’s PA.   He could hear Dinosaur Laser Fight playing and he sang along with a massive grin on his goofy face.    The song’s lyrics were inappropriate in places, but it fit the spirit of the celebration that was about to occur.   

Terrin came in dressed as a triceratops singing, 

We wish you a dino Christrex

We wish you a dino Christrex

We wish you a dino Christrex 

And a Trikey new year !   

Spencer squealed with utter delight, especially at his plethora of gifts and dino-themed cupcakes.   Everyone was having a blast.    Even kids who normally weren’t too keen on the holiday wanted to join in.   Spencer simply had a gift of bringing everyone together with his compassion, his listening ears, megawatt smile and incredible hugs.  

‘Fruit punch for everyone !’, Spencer said, downing another cocktail of homemade fruit punch mixed with Sierra mist and rainbow sherbet.    All the presents had been opened and most of the kids had left to be with their families.    Spencer was beginning to feel a bit tuckered out due to the chemotherapy.  

‘I think I should have a nap now.’, he said.   It was just then that Jeff Goldblum arrived with a present in his hands.

‘Am I late ?   Don’t tell me all the cupcakes are gone.’, he said with a laugh.    Spencer immediately bolted up and thanked Jeff for coming and had graciously offered him whatever cupcakes and treats were left.    Jeff then gave him the gift he had brought in. 

Rapidly, ravenously, Spencer opened the gift and yelled victoriously.

‘A Jurassic Park RC !  I’ve always wanted one of these !’, the youngster crowed.   Jeff grinned.   

‘Thought you would.   Merry Christmas.’, he said.   It was then Terrin thought the celebration would be better caught on camera.    For a while, he stuck around, playing and laughing until Spencer became sleepy.    The chemo had wiped him out for the day.

‘He is quite the trooper.  I hope the little rock star pulls through.’, he said, hopefully as he left.    The family thanked him again and watched the actor depart.    The family stuck close, holding each other and kissed their little angel goodnight.    He was so weak that sleep came upon him easily, but he had fooled everyone into thinking he had been hearty enough to celebrate just like everyone else.   He was all heart and wanted everyone to have fun, no matter their condition.   That was how brave and loving Spencer was. 

Chapter 5—A Miracle on Boxing Day 

The doctor who had been assigned Spencer’s case came in the next day, expecting the worst.    He looked over Spencer’s vitals two and three times and saw that there was no more trace of cancer left in his body.   The treatment had worked.    Of course, this didn’t mean that Spencer was out of the woods just yet, but he had traversed difficult pathways to arrive here in remission. 

The doctor was dumbfounded.   He couldn’t wait to alert the Holloways.   

It was a hop, skip and a jump to Grace Hospital for the Holloways.  It seemed their GPS knew the way from memory.   After they had gotten the call from Doctor Gupta, they knew they had to see this miracle for themselves. 

Their prayers had made it over the bed posts and what they were witnessing now was nothing short of a miracle.   Science couldn’t understand it and Spencer himself strained his brain as to how to break it down simply for his family and Doctor Gupta to understand.

‘God still works in ways we don’t understand.    I prayed to Him, talked to Him like I usually do.   I heard that my time wasn’t up here.  I still have a lot to do.   Besides, someday I want to become a paleontologist and maybe even teach when I get older.   As for the topic, I have no clue what that’s gonna be yet.    I’m still a kid after all.’, he said wisely.   

‘You are one impressive kid, Spencer.’, Gupta said, patting his patient on the back.   This wasn’t truly a patient and doctor relationship.   It was more like family, just like all the other children at Grace Hospital.   In a couple more days, Spencer would be released, and he would be spending the rest of his winter break with them.    The lingering memories of his dinosaur holiday wouldn’t quickly fade.   Most likely his friends would hear about the surprise visit from Jeff Goldblum and ask him what he had been like.   It was already shaping up to be a stellar new school year for the youngster.    

Epilogue 

Now so much older, Spencer made his dream a reality and even taught future paleontologists his trade.   He was able to meet the woman of his dreams and have a little family together.   To this day, he keeps the autographed picture Mr. Goldblum signed for him as one of his precious treasures.   Even Doctor Gupta is a trusted friend and is often invited to traditional ‘dinosaur Christmases’ they still hold.    It just goes to show you even the roar of an extinct animal can inspire us to go beyond ourselves, be more, do more, spread more joy and love and be bold enough to think outside the typical boxes others barricade us with. 

The End