Giving Thanks...



This is the time of year where many of us "give or show" what we are "thankful" for. 

Many of my friends on FB are listing what they are thankful for each day of this month.  I love that idea but I have trouble narrowing it down to a daily thing.  As you may have noticed with most of my blogs, I tend to become very emotional or passionate in my thoughts which leads to a lengthy blog.  Hahaha!!!  I laugh at that because that's just typical me.  My closest friends and family know that about me and just learn to go with the flow, which makes me so thankful to have them in my life!!!  I can't narrow it down to single individuals.  There are so many people I am thankful for, especially over these past few years.  Of course my closest family and my small intimate group of friends know how much I love and appreciate them and how grateful I am for them being a part of my life and being such a great support network for Isaac and the kids during this past few years.  I can't put into enough words how much that means to me and how deeply it has touched my heart.

But I also want to thank all those acquaintenances, all those old school friends, all those neighbors through out the years, past co-workers & bosses, friends of the family that have touched my life over the years, and even to the faceless names that have kept me on prayer lists and made donations to my family, to help ease the burdens that had fallen upon us.

It's so easy to get caught up in the negative things that happen in life.  Watching the TV news channels definitely confirms that statement.  The media definitely provides alot of the more dim things that occur in life.  Sure, they have a few news pieces that may lighten the spirit but mostly its involving assaults/attempted-murders, burglary, alcohol/drug-related activities, homicides, scams and war. Especially, now with the presidential campagin, there is so much slander it's really unbelievable.  We as a society, I think, tend to overlook the fact that there really are "good" people out there.  I'm so happy and grateful to know that I have seen the good.  I have received those selfless acts of love and support and of giving.

Which leads me to what I'm most thankful for.  I'm so thankful for my donor.  The selfless act of giving a portion of herself to allow another faceless, nameless person to have another chance at Life.  She gave me the chance to wake up and face another day with the sun shining on my face, or the rain and snow falling around me or the wind whispering its secrets in my ear.  She gave me the chance to watch my children sleeping peacefully in their beds or next to me in mine.  She gave me the chance to listen to their laughter, to dry their tears, to wrap them in my arms, for no apparent reason, but to just love.  She gave me the chance to be a wife and be a support to one of the most selfless men I know.  She gave me the chance to continue to be surrounded with amazing family and friends where we share birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.  Obviously, I could go on and on, and its so hard to put into words, but the gift of "life" that she has given me, means everything to me. 

I am truly "grateful and thankful" and at peace with all that I have endured in my life, even the cancer.  The cancer has changed me and how I look at myself, my surroundings, and my reaction to those surroundings.  It has made truly appreciate this gift of "life" and not to take anything for granted.  We must appreciate all that we do have and embrace it.  It means to embrace the wealth we are given.  Wealth doesn't just involve money or materialistic things, it includes love, compassion and acceptance of the things around you.  It means embracing the things you do have and living life to the fullest with good will and without malice. 

So, this year, I am "thankful" for many things, but most of all, I am thankful for my donor.  If it weren't for her act of giving, I would not be here to enjoy this holiday season with my husband, children, family and friends!!! 

So, from across the seas, I say to my donor,..."I send my love and a huge "THANK YOU"!!!