Emily Swallow Instagram – With this week’s #thisisthewaywednesday almost over, I bring you a show that ran the gamut from serene harmonies to balls to the wall show-stoppers. I was in Sioux Falls last week to visit Spencer, my foundling friend and brave warrior who is in hospice and, on a cold winter’s night, members of the @621stdetentionsquad squad generously responded to a last minute request to bring some cheer. They drove out to his family’s house for a round of Christmas carols—some came straight from work in their scrubs and others donned their most beautiful ugly sweaters and hats. In an MVP move, @jakobe56 dressed as a penguin and gave us his rendition of the notorious Mariah Carey Christmas anthem at just the right moment…Spencer was cold and we were all a little worried, but when I asked his little brother Ranger for his favorite Christmas tune, he said “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and Jake boldly grabbed center state to make all of us sing along and laugh. Is there someone you can think of this holiday season who might need a word of encouragement, a thoughtful card, or a chance to hear some carols? I guarantee you will feel less lonely if you reach out and strive to give someone the gift of being seen and valued. It can be serious or silly or somewhere in between, but don’t let these precious moments of connection pass you by. #thisistheway #forthefoundlings #silentnight #badguysdoinggood #dountoothers #lovethyneighbor #givekidsavoice #pediatriccancer #rhabdo #tistheseason #alliwantforchristmasisyou #penguinsuit #siouxfalls #voicesagainstcancer