Thankful

As the day winds down my thoughts shift from my full belly, to what the holiday is truly about. The typical lists of things to be thankful include the blessings. Children, family, friends, a warm home, a good job, etc. The things that I have become most thankful for are the moments that test us, because ultimately they make us better. The true strength of a person lies in what they have overcome. I look back at the day that brought me to the ER almost exactly a year ago- severe headache, violently vomiting, with an alarmingly high blood pressure. I was treated and advised to follow up with my PCP because my kidney functions were running high. I didn’t know then what I was in for, but I am thankful that I found out when I did. I am thankful for the the moments that have strengthened me, and the family and friends that have supported me in my moments of weakness.

As usual I am thankful for my children, they are the greatest blessings in my life everyday. I am thankful for all the lessons they have taught me. This year has been fraught with many challenges. Honestly there have been many days when I phoned it in. I have been honest with my children during those moments, apologizing for the days I haven’t been the best version of myself, and hoping that they know I save the best of me for them. I am thankful for the opportunity to show them how to carry on despite life’s adversities.

I am thankful for my family that has not wavered in their support. My sisters, both have their strengths. One with a shoulder I could always cry on, and the other who will be the first one to hulk a couch out a house on her back at a moments notice. My father, always up to date on my latest labs results, has become one of my biggest supporters. I know that they always have my back, and that reality has brought me much needed peace of mind.

Luckily I have been able to keep working through the year. I have taken off minimal time for procedures and appointments. I am thankful for supervisors that have been understanding and supportive. I am thankful for co-workers that have become like family. For my work mom who worries about me as if I was one of her own, and routinely goes above and beyond for those she cares about. For my co-worker who is like the annoying little brother I never asked for, but has kept me laughing even through the worst of it. For the girl who gets my ass up and moving during my breaks, can’t imagine how much more weight I would have packed on during the Prednisone days if it wasn’t for our afternoon walks. For anyone who took a moment to really find out how I was doing through it all, it always made a difference.

Over the past year I have kinda gone into hibernation, and have not been able to physically do many of the things I once enjoyed. The medication I was on caused many side effects that were difficult for me. I wasn’t sure how to move forward and chose to cocoon myself instead. I am thankful for all the family and friends that reached out to let me know they missed me, and remind me that they were there for me. To truly move forward I had to embrace it. I am thankful for the reminders that got me there.

I am thankful for all of my blessings. True blessings are born from moments that could break us, but we allowed to strengthen us instead. If it weren’t for those moments, we may never truly appreciate our blessings. I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with good food, great company, and bountiful blessings.

I leave you with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson about gratitude. May you embrace the challenges that life throws at you as the blessings in disguise the truly are.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”