Today and every day, I am so grateful for you! As I sit here waiting for the Trader Joe double chocolate croissants to come out of the oven, I’m remembering that this time last year (Thanksgiving in the United States) I was in the hospital.

As my mother reminded me today, I was “out of it” and my medications from the night before were still on my tray table because I hadn’t taken them. That was during stem cell transplant. Of course, my mother and sister soon put things to rights. I took my pills and did everything else the nurses required.

And the year before I was also in the hospital. My family also noted that I was not able to answer questions or stay awake for more than a few minutes. That time I was on chemo.

I can remember those times only barely, but what I do remember are the many cards, emails and texts from all of you. They buoyed me up when I thought I could not swallow one more giant vitamin C tablet or allow yet another Med tech to clean me up and help me to the bathroom.

Bless you and thank you a hundred times over for your kindness, your thoughtfulness and your love.

In addition to the chocolate pastries this morning, I plan on enjoying my mother’s home-made pumpkin  pie this afternoon. She tells me that she brought me pie both times I was in the hospital, and I showed no interest even thought it’s my favorite.

In short, I am immensely grateful to be able to work with a wonderful team of folks at my job. I am delighted to be able to walk .76 of a mile with my Mom three times a week. And I am even happy to be watching calories now that food actually tastes good. As a friend pointed out to me, watching my weight is a first world problem.

As I have said before. I am the luckiest mammal on the planet, and I know it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of my world and my recovery.

Every night before sleep, I do a meditation and ask for infinite blessings on all of you. You have surely been a blessing to me!

With deepest gratitude and love,

—Heather

PS: The croissants are cool now, and I can’t wait to dive in. Lol!