What I'm Thankful For
I have a hard time expressing myself in words sometimes, but I really want to convey to you what I'm thankful for.
As I continue through this journey with Dave of his battle against cancer, I've come to realize how people truly care. Sometimes I get so down thinking that our world is crumbling around us, but, each and every day I'm reminded that there are so many genuine people that really do care about others and what is happening in their lives.
I've learned to appreciate each day and only really live one day at a time. With Dave going through chemo, each day is different, you never know what to expect. But that's ok, you just do what you need to do to get through that day, be thankful that you've had another day and get rested up for the next day!
I have a hard time expressing myself in words sometimes, but I really want to convey to you what I'm thankful for.
As I continue through this journey with Dave of his battle against cancer, I've come to realize how people truly care. Sometimes I get so down thinking that our world is crumbling around us, but, each and every day I'm reminded that there are so many genuine people that really do care about others and what is happening in their lives.
I've learned to appreciate each day and only really live one day at a time. With Dave going through chemo, each day is different, you never know what to expect. But that's ok, you just do what you need to do to get through that day, be thankful that you've had another day and get rested up for the next day!
I am thankful for Dave's family and the fact that we went to see them in Knoxville over Father's Day. I'm so grateful that his Mom and sister, Barbara encouraged Dave to have his leg (big muscle) checked out when we got home. I'm actually thankful that his Mom called almost every day asking if he had gotten in to see a Doctor yet! This is the time that we needed the prodding to see the doctor that eventually led us to getting the diagnosis.
I can't tell you how thankful I am we live near a city with some of the best doctors at Emory (Crawford Long). I'm amazed at the chain of events that led us to Dr. Monson who will eventually do the surgery on Dave's leg, and Dr. D'Amato who is managing his chemotherapy. These doctors are both top notch in their field and I thank them both for the care they are providing for Dave (and the tough love from Dr. D'Amato with the chemo)!
People's generosity amazes me and I'll be eternally grateful for how people have been so kind to us. Our neighbors are some of the best that anyone could ever ask for and I'm indebted to them. Every time I hear Bob or Kevin's lawn mower or leaf blower in our yard, I almost cry. These guys just get out there and take care of our lawn for us and I can't thank them enough.
Dianne (my next door neighbor) immediately offered to coordinate the meals for us and for those who know me and my lack of organization, I'm again, eternally grateful. So many friends, neighbors, gals from church, have brought us amazing meals and believe me, I have 3 men to feed that like good food! I've definitely learned the art of portion control (for myself) to be honest with my weight loss endeavors, but have enjoyed so many delicious dinners. Just knowing that a few meals a week are being provided has eased my mind of what needs to get done around the house, so I'm very thankful for all the people that have brought us meals.
I'm also thankful for the support of loved ones. Family has come to stay with me to help with Bryce & Kyle when Dave has been in the hospital for his chemo. The weeks he's been in the hospital are exhausting for me and I truly appreciate those who still love me even when they see me at my worst. I know I can be ornery when I'm tired, (I really am trying to work on this), but I appreciate all those that still love me after seeing me with "warts and all". (No, I really don't have warts, just the expression seemed appropriate!)
People's generosity amazes me and I'll be eternally grateful for how people have been so kind to us. Our neighbors are some of the best that anyone could ever ask for and I'm indebted to them. Every time I hear Bob or Kevin's lawn mower or leaf blower in our yard, I almost cry. These guys just get out there and take care of our lawn for us and I can't thank them enough.
Dianne (my next door neighbor) immediately offered to coordinate the meals for us and for those who know me and my lack of organization, I'm again, eternally grateful. So many friends, neighbors, gals from church, have brought us amazing meals and believe me, I have 3 men to feed that like good food! I've definitely learned the art of portion control (for myself) to be honest with my weight loss endeavors, but have enjoyed so many delicious dinners. Just knowing that a few meals a week are being provided has eased my mind of what needs to get done around the house, so I'm very thankful for all the people that have brought us meals.
I'm also thankful for the support of loved ones. Family has come to stay with me to help with Bryce & Kyle when Dave has been in the hospital for his chemo. The weeks he's been in the hospital are exhausting for me and I truly appreciate those who still love me even when they see me at my worst. I know I can be ornery when I'm tired, (I really am trying to work on this), but I appreciate all those that still love me after seeing me with "warts and all". (No, I really don't have warts, just the expression seemed appropriate!)
I'm thankful for the family that has traveled to be here to support Dave. Taking the time out of your busy schedules is difficult these days, but I'm so appreciative of the time you've spent here helping us during this time.
The support we've had from the teachers and staff at the boys' school has been amazing. I know that when Dave is in the hospital, the kids are truly cared for and the teachers are keeping a close eye on them for me. This comforts me so much, because I love my boys so much and I know they are hurting when their Dad is in the hospital. Again, I am just so thankful for the people in our lives.
To know we have so many people praying for us on a daily basis is overwhelming. I truly know that God is carrying us through this journey and we aren't making it on our own. I believe that daily, God is showing me His mercy and grace and with so many people lifting us up in prayer, I am at peace. When people ask, "And how are you doing?" I honestly respond, "Fine". I couldn't say that without God's grace and the support of all those around us.
The support we've had from the teachers and staff at the boys' school has been amazing. I know that when Dave is in the hospital, the kids are truly cared for and the teachers are keeping a close eye on them for me. This comforts me so much, because I love my boys so much and I know they are hurting when their Dad is in the hospital. Again, I am just so thankful for the people in our lives.
To know we have so many people praying for us on a daily basis is overwhelming. I truly know that God is carrying us through this journey and we aren't making it on our own. I believe that daily, God is showing me His mercy and grace and with so many people lifting us up in prayer, I am at peace. When people ask, "And how are you doing?" I honestly respond, "Fine". I couldn't say that without God's grace and the support of all those around us.
Most importantly, I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband of 21 years. I truly understand the vows we took, especially the part, "In sickness and in health". It's not easy all the time, but being the help mate to Dave is something I don't take lightly. His attitude through this whole thing has been amazing and I'm thankful for his spirit. It would be so easy to be so depressed, but he is really fighting this and wants to beat it. I'm so thankful he's my husband and I want him to be for at least the next 42 years!!!
Enjoy this time with family and friends and truly think about what you have to be thankful for. We love you and thank you so much for being there for us.
Enjoy this time with family and friends and truly think about what you have to be thankful for. We love you and thank you so much for being there for us.
Thanks for sharing this with us Holly. Most of us can't imagine that we have the strength to deal with the life your family is going through right now. Your sunny disposition and expression of thanks in a time that can seem so dire is a great reminder to all of us that we are stronger than we think we are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing all you do to take care of Dave and the boys. I know it has to be exhausting for you, but you come through like a champ!
I'm thankful to be friends with you and Dave and I feel blessed to have you in my life.
Have a blessed holiday season and cherish the precious time with those you love.
A good post! Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. You certainly deserved it!
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