New Year's Resolution

I am spending New Year's Eve with my patient and his family: mami, papi, hermana, primos, abuela- they are all here. He has ALL which has been complicated by liver failure. He was unable to complete treatment last year. Now he's back, and it's good to see him, though I wish it were under different circumstances. When the ball drops, his family embraces me without hesitation. Prospero Año Nuevo! Hugs, kisses, and tears weave me in, part of the family. I ask my patient if he has any New Year's resolutions. Remission, he answers. I smile as shiny confetti floats to the floor. That's going to be a tough one to keep.