On this day of Thanksgiving I awoke early with deep thoughts and a prayerful heart. (As usual on a day I could sleep in a bit finds me awake before the sun🤪). At the end of my emotionally charged hurricane of thoughts, I can say I have so much gratitude for this life I get to live.
I was talking with someone recently about how hard this year has been. It really, really has. My heart has hurt over loss. The cancer anxiety has reared its head more than I think it should, certainly more than I would want. My stress level has gotten well above the level I promised myself I would not allow when I was walking through my treatments. Worry has added wrinkles and gray hairs….but it hit me that this also means I have been allowed to age, grow and change.
With the hurt is the joy of life. I am so very grateful for my sons and who they are and the love they show me. A husband who loves and stands up for me is priceless. Family that demonstrate unconditional love is an absolute blessing. Friendships that do not falter is a gift. And what a lucky girl I am that I get to know what each of these things look like firsthand!
A memory photo showed up on my phone of “on this day 5 years ago” and it was me tired and bald, but smiling. I had lost my hair the week before that Thanksgiving in 2017. 5 years has brought so much change. External scars have faded a bit, the hair has grown again….and this photo reminded me that walking this earth for the time I have is something for which I am joyful. It is also a reminder that I fought to be here and so many of you, never left my side and shared my burden with me. I am grateful God put you on my path. Thank you for love, support, prayers, laughter, kindness. This life is not easy, but humor, friendship and support makes the journey worthwhile.
And there is no more fitting a song for this post than “Gratitude” by I Am They. May everyday be filled with thanksgiving!😘❤️
