There isn't a word strong enough to express our family's gratitude this Thanksgiving. Thankful, grateful, blessed. They just don't cut it! It is hard to believe it has been a year since my Mom was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Now, I am here to give you our latest and last update on her cancer journey...Journal Entry #9.

The day before Thanksgiving, Cheryl, Mumsy, Grammy, Mom, RANG THE BELL AND IS CANCER FREE! Our Thanksgiving this year symbolized the beginning of life again for my Mom! Needless to say, her diagnosis was devastating for all of us, but I can also tell you that this year has taught us so much. I can only speak for myself, but I believe those who have been by our side would agree. My mom's strength has motivated me to be stronger. My mom's grit has taught me to have more courage, perseverance and endurance. She has reminded me to be more present and conscientious. Don't get me wrong, this year has been challenging, sad, scary, and just exhausting at times, but it has also been a blessing. Having my Mom and Ben here in Austin has been amazing. I watched my step-dad, Ben, be the champion he has always been, but even more so. He drove my mom to MD Anderson once a week for her treatment; he drove back and forth from Austin to Sherman to work. He would then return to Austin and help me and my mom with all the "honey-dos", and he would do so as if it were a privilege to care for us. I will have to say they were here for me this year as much as I was there for them, and although we were battling cancer, we were battling it together. That togetherness was our blessing. 

I went through my photos from each month of this year and pulled together an album to share (on FaceBook). There were ups and downs, but more than anything, there were those who supported us and showered us with love. I can recall so many emotions and moments from the photos...fear, sadness, anger, happiness, joy, excitement, love, celebrations, laughter, tears, and the list goes on. But my Mom ringing the bell and then celebrating for the next several days with family and friends was everything. We are so grateful. I cannot thank my friends enough for being my rock, my foundation, my mom's cheerleader. I cannot thank MD Anderson enough for saving my mom. The team of doctors, researchers and nurses on my mom's care treated us like family and I will be forever grateful to each of them. 

Mom will now do follow up appointments at MD Anderson every six months and our prayer will continue to be that she stays cancer free. In the meantime, we are going to live life to the fullest, continue to be grateful, present, strong, courageous, and full of grit! We look forward to having you along for the ride, and don't forget, MOMENTS MATTER!