Well, this has been one rough year! But of course at this time of year we start to think about what we are thankful for. Initially it was a little hard to remember all the good things since I have had so many struggles this year, inlcuding a cancer diagnosis that sent me reeling. But even that bit of bad news has brought about some good things.
This week I came to the realization that life is to short and unpredictable to settle for anything less than what you want. There are so many things I want to do with my life but I always saved them for later. Well, what I was really doing was saving my life for later and this past June I spent many days in a hospital bed wondering if there would be a later for me. At that moment it made no sense to save anything for later. I am thankful now for that experience because it has made me see that when my chemo is over and my PET scan shows that I am cancer free I need to start doing the things I always wanted to do…no more saving for later. I am most thankful for that realization.
But of course I have way more than that to be thankful for. Here is my list.
I am thankful for:
My parents – They are my heroes and without them I would be lost.
My children – Who are healthy and happy and who have given me three reasons to fight this cancer.
My husband – Who has been my best friend since I was 16 years old. I love him as much today as I did back then.
My baby brother – Who has been the only one who didn’t obsess about my condition and worried more about what movies and activities he could take me to and get my mind off of things.
Deb and Joe in Ohio – Thanks for all your love and support.
My online friends – who have helped me keep my business afloat while I struggled this year or who just provided words of encouragement and support. Friends like – Dawn Calgaro, Deb Hoppe, Beth, Leah, Carolyn, Erin, The former Goddesses (you know who you are), Carrie Lauth and many others.
The staff at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center – Great individuals like Dr. Halepota, Shannon, Cathy, Linda, Carol, and Charlene have helped me during a tough time. I especially thank Shannon who has listened to all my complaining and set me up for a wonderful treat…5 days of IV fluid infusions. I felt halfway normal this week!
Dr. Sammy – Your skilled hands saved my life. I will be forever grateful.
The Butterscotch Martini Girls – who help my mom to get away and take a breather from her role as caregiver to sickly old me from time to time.
John and Cookie – You are the best next door neighbors anyone could ask for. Thanks for taking care of everything while I am away. I can’t wait to come home this summer and see what you have done with the garden. I am sure it will be gorgeous!
Mom Masterminds – They have helped me grow my passive income and my business in general so that even when I am hospitalized the money keeps coming. Thanks ladies you are the best!
The ohio online forum – You help me stay connected to my home while I am away and argue about politics and environmental issues, which I love to do. ;)
The New River School and Ms. Gahn – You have made my baby’s first year of school very special.
My Blog readers – Thanks for reading!
Well, I guess I better stop now. This post is getting long. If you have blogged about being thankful leave me a comment with a link! Thanks!
That’s a pretty wonderful list of things to be thankful for!
I’m glad to be in such a great bunch of ladies over at MM =)
Tiffany have I ever told you how much your words inspire me? I am also thankful for you, you give so much to everyone around you. Sending you the biggest hugs!!!!!
Thanks Beth! That means a lot to me. Hugs right back at ya!