For weeks now, the leaves have been changing into glorious hues of orange, yellow, reds and browns, dotted with the evergreens that stay so vibrant. The air is a little cooler — in fact, crisp.
The sweet potato trucks have been rolling by continuously, as have the cotton trailers, leaving behind remnants of cotton that have blown onto the side of the highways.
All of this points to fall in our neck of the woods and I’m here for it. It has always been my favorite season. And with it comes my favorite holiday — Thanksgiving.
While my family has certainly been dealing with heavy hearts and stress this year, we still have so very much to be thankful for.
My sister, who is suffering with brain cancer, has now been in the hospital for 129 days. Miraculously, she is still able to communicate with us. And even though she suffers extreme bouts of confusion, she, for the most part, knows who we are and has kept this fighting spirit and determination like I’ve never seen before. Even though I know she has and is suffering with some depressing moments, she has kept her sense of humor and a positive attitude. My respect for her has just really grown over this last year as she has fought this horrible disease, and I’m so thankful she is still here with us.
My mother suffered a debilitating stroke several months ago. She, too, has kept her sense of humor and has worked hard with the physical therapists, trying to regain use of her hand, arm and leg. She has always been a spunky little woman and I long to see her active again.
Just recently, I was able to carry my parents to see my sister. This was the first time they had seen her since July. It was such an emotional visit for us all, but I am so very thankful it was possible.
A few months ago, we heard the word cancer again when Clay was diagnosed with an agressive form of prostate cancer. It is a punch in the gut when you hear the word, but after visits with doctors, many tests and scans, research and lots of prayer, he made his decision about treatment and had what we hope was a successful surgery this past week to remove all cancer.
I am so thankful to live in a community of prayer warriors. Through all of these trials, I have continually felt the honest-to-goodness prayers for my family members.
This Thanksgiving celebration, while not the same as others, will still be special to us and we will hold dear the moments spent with each other and be thankful for all we have been given.
My prayer is that you and your family have a wonderful day that allows your blessings to shine through.
Happy Thanksgiving.
