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Gratitude

Thanksgiving – a time to reflect and show gratitude for all of our blessings. This has always been my favorite holiday for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it’s a weekend (not just a day) that brings together our family to enjoy each other’s company, indulge in some once a year foods, play some games, and share a whole lot of laughs.

This year will be a bittersweet holiday. Between the ups and downs/uncertainty of Connor’s situation, and this being the first major holiday that we celebrate without my Uncle Pat, some of the joy of my favorite weekend of the year will undoubtedly be missing. It won’t stop us from carrying on family traditions and making memories though.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” As I reflect back on all of the things that have happened this year, I am able to appreciate the sentiment behind this quote a little bit more. I have always been grateful and make it a point to count my blessings, but the events of this past year have, on some days, forced me to look a little bit deeper for the blessings throughout the day. I am constantly reminded that I cannot change the hand that I am dealt, but the trials and tribulations make me a stronger person.

Some of the events that our family has faced this year created feelings that I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy. Rather than looking at those situations and feelings and wishing for a different outcome, I have tried to focus on finding the good that came out of it all. The reoccurring theme that always prevails is to be grateful for what I have.

Connor’s illness continues to test us daily, but at the same time highlights the kindness and generosity of our family, friends, and community. They say it takes a village; we are forever grateful for the depth of ours. I have said it before and will say it again – VEO-IBD is life altering but not life ending, and for that I’ll forever be grateful.

The loss of my Uncle Pat has left a gaping hole in all of our hearts. The void that he left will never be filled, but our family bond continues to strengthen and grow. He left one heck of a legacy behind, and I can say with absolute certainty that we all strive to make him proud each and every day. I would give anything to have him here with us again, but since I can’t change that, I’ll focus on the memories I have, the lessons he taught me, and be grateful for the 39 years that I had with him.

This Thanksgiving holiday I hope that you are able to sit back and reflect on the blessing you have in your life. Some might find big ones, and others may have to dig deep to recognize a small one, but they are there in all of our lives.

Thank you to all of you for being here and following this blog. I’m grateful to all of you for giving me an outlet and for your encouraging messages. I am constantly reminded that everyone is going through something. It is nice to know you’re not alone.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and are able to enjoy some of the things that bring you the most joy in life!



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