Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all that is reading this! On this day I usually look back over the year and give thanks. This year is a bit different, maybe a bit more special, I am not real sure what I feel I want to call it just yet. I do know, I am way more thankful this year. So let me tell you a few things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. I could sit here and do the typical, I am thankful for my family, my home, my job. But this year is unique, that is what I am going to call it. . . UNIQUE! I am so thankful for my family, home and job, but this year, this year I am thankful for Cancer! Those of you that are screaming at me "what is she thinking!" hear me out. There are many reasons I am thankful for Cancer, I have had some amazing doctors come into our lives. Who have shown me great compassion. Teaching me that with a difficult job like they have, there is still a kind heart to share with patients. I am thankful for cancer, because it has brought the true meaning of life to the fore front of my journey. The statement, Live like you are dying, is so true. We all should be living like that. Cancer has allowed me to have a voice, a voice to share with thousands across the country. See if it wasn't for cancer, the sweet lady in Florida that wrote me stating it is my posts that have gotten her through many of her days, would not have happened. The numerous messages I get all starting off with, "you don't know me", "I know we have never met", and also the ones I get from the closest of friends saying, you inspired me today, you made me stop and realize how I need to be living, Thank you for sharing from your heart. I am thankful for cancer, so I could reach those I have reached. I am thankful for cancer, it has shown me through this journey who is real and sadly has shown me some that are not so real. It has taken me from normal, to different. I tell my girls that I coach, you can be average (normal) or you can be different. By being different we are going beyond average, we are working hard and pushing ourselves to be different from other teams. That is what cancer has done to me, took me form normal to different, we are fighting hard and pushing through this. I am truly thankful for cancer because it has brought Christ to the top of my list. My faith is stronger than it has ever been. Cancer has reminded me I have to sometimes let go and allow the Lord to do his work. It has taken a great husband and father to an extraordinary husband and father. I am also so thankful this year for the tender kisses from Doug that I get daily, the snuggling on the couch every night before bed. I am so thankful for the most amazing support team we have surrounding us. It has been a long 9 months, and knowing I have all the support that I do, gets me through some days. Saying I am thankful for you all, just doesn't seem big enough! My heart is full of love, and I truly love each of you. I am thankful for the life we are living today, that this is allowing us to teach others, learn things, and completely enjoy every minute of every day! As you enjoy your day with family and friends, take a moment to witness the joy of the day. Do not let the craziness of it all take a way from that moment. Be thankful today, tomorrow, and always! Over the next couple of weeks I ask for continue prayers for Doug and his healing. We will be traveling back to Seattle for an MRI to see if the tumor is stable or if it has grown. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Love and Blessings to all!