I have always thought that being thankful was something that should not be limited to just one day a year, but that one day does give the opportunity to slow down and reflect. Thanksgiving is a time for people who love and care about each other (family and friends alike) to come together to celebrate and that is certainly something to be thankful for.
My cancer has reinforced my belief that you should not leave things unsaid, if you do then the opportunity may be lost and you will just be left with regret. So I want to take a moment to share at least some of what I am thankful for.
I am thankful that my son Robby and I will be spending Thanksgiving with a wonderful family. Last year we were invited by Angela, one of Robby’s nurses, to spend the holiday with her family, it was a wonderful experience for us. So to get the chance to spend the holiday with them again this year is truly a blessing.
Speaking of nurses, I am so thankful to both Angela and Kevin for the amazing care they give Robby. They have come to be like family to us, it’s hard to believe it’s only been just over a year and a half since they started here. I don’t know what we would do with out them and I don’t want to find out. In addition to caring for Robby they have also provided a variety of much needed support to me. I’m not sure that I can ever thank them enough for all they do and for being who they are.
Another fresh perspective that cancer brings is the appreciation for even the small things and special moments in life. Which brings me to Robby, I could not be more thankful for the time I share with him. I am grateful for his smiles (that can melt your heart) and his attitude (good and bad); they make him who he is. And early mornings when he and I have our time together, just us.
I am more than thankful for my ‘adopted family’-Robby and I are so lucky to have been welcomed into their family. They are always there for us and I try to always be there for them. We have been through much together-good and bad-which seems to make us even closer. Robby and I didn’t really have any family until we were ‘adopted’ by Jo, Curtiss, Brandon, Dan and yes even Grammy.
Speaking of family, I am thankful and blessed for continuing to reconnect with Patrick. It has made it possible for my son Robby to connect with family, something that has been missing in his life. We are also blessed with the opportunity to get to know Patrick’s partner David. And then there is the gift of getting to appreciate and enjoy Patrick’s art again; he is truly an amazing and talented artist.
I want to thank Dr Eppler, I have been working with him for approximately 10 years now. He has helped and supported me more than I can say, like helping me get on the right path to move in a positive direction to get my life back. He has also been the one encouraging me to write my book and even to launch this blog. For all he does thank you feels like it’s not enough, but that said-thank you.
I am thankful for all the new friends I have made and the things I was able to experience this year-many of which would have been impossible to do before. I am sure that I am forgetting some things, but it feels like I have started another book here. So I will leave with this thought….never miss the opportunity to say thank you.