More thankful than ever before

Here I sit, the night before Thanksgiving, and I feel more emotional than I have in a long time. Some emotions are good, others are causing my eyes to fill with tears, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

Our family has a tradition on Thanksgiving Day that was started by my Aunt Vickie a few years ago. We go around the table and individually say what we are thankful for. Although some people say what they are truly thankful for, others have made a joke of it and often use it as an opportunity to make others laugh during their 5 seconds in the spotlight. For some reason, I don’t see that happening this year. Everyone in the room will be thankful for my mom’s presence. All of us are thankful the Tarceva seems to be doing its job. All of us are thankful that 7 months have come and gone and mom seems just as healthy, if not healthier, than she was when she was diagnosed.

I know how much my mom loves this time of year. She loves to cook and entertain. She loves putting up her Christmas tree, and driving around looking at lights. Because this time of year has always been mom’s favorite, I want it to be special. I will never forget the last time I saw my Grandma Darlene before she lost her battle with Cancer. It was Thanksgiving Day 1991. The family went to Seattle to see her in the hospital. Although it was many years ago, I will never forget walking out of that hospital room and wondering if it would be the last time I saw her alive. She lost her battle shortly after. I think of her on occasion when certain things happen in my life, but I especially think of her on Thanksgiving Day.

So, on this evening before Thanksgiving, I want to stop and reflect on the year we’ve had. The births, the deaths, the new friends we’ve made, and the faithful ones who have always remained by our side. The things that happen around us and to us are the things that have made us who we are today. For that… I am Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you-
With Love,

Amy