Oh girls, today is Thanksgiving. And this year, of all years, it has taken on a new meaning in our household. The Thanksgiving holiday has always been a time for us to reflect on our blessings from the past year, to spend quality time with extended family, and to eat lots of yummy food (along with a little Macy's Day Parade action). This year, we will honor the true definition of Thanksgiving. Webster defines thanksgiving as the expression of gratitude, especially to God. And our family is full of thanksgiving this year. God has provided for us, blessed us with, and outright loved and comforted us more this year than any other. Hearing the words ''You have cancer" can emote the most negative of emotions in us. But I say proudly say, three months in, that this diagnosis has been more of a blessing to our family than our most negative experiences. Sure there are days that we are mad, we are sad, we don't want to get out of bed, or want to go to treatment. But then, we pick ourselves up (or someone picks us up--God, family, friends, strangers) and we see God's face and grace in this midst of this storm.
So, today, we will give thanksgiving to God for this time in our lives, for changing our lives for the better, for continuing to heal me, and for blessing us beyond measure this year. We are grateful to the many family, friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers who have showered us with love, support, and prayers during the last three months. I've never felt so covered in love before...like a warm blanket wrapped around me on a cold day, like the warmth from the sun those first few days of Spring. It has literally warmed me, from the inside out. We've been so blessed to receive cards and letters, gifts that have been prayed over, calls and emails and facebook messages. I've received donations of PTO at work--over 400 hours to be exact--from the most generous and selfless coworkers. We received many monetary gifts to assist in my rising healthcare costs, including multiple fundraisers done in honor of our family. We've had meals delivered and gift cards to restaurants given to us--heck, we came home to a pecan pie at our front door just yesterday!. Our house has been cleaned every other week and our lawn has been kept up. All of these things, done by family, friends, and strangers, who ask for absolutely nothing in return for their kindness and generosity. Our lives are forever changed because of the compassion they've shown to us. Daddy and I have vowed to lead a more purpose driven life--to be more generous and forthcoming with our money, time, and gifts to the community, especially those in need. To be true servants to our fellow man, like our fellow men have been to us. To be on the receiving end of such selflessness and kindness feels absolutely undeserving. But I know all of these amazing blessings are poured out from the hand's of God. Directly from heaven. To comfort us, to provide peace within us, to promote healing and rest in this weary battle.
Today I am thankful for God's love and grace, for Jesus's sacrifice and peace, for an loving and selfless husband, for you two--my reasons to fight, for our loving family, for our supportive friends, for a school and church who prays daily for our family, and for a community who lifted us up in so many ways. Today, I will express my gratitude, especially to God.
Love you both so much--Mommy
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