Thankful Beyond Measure

Thanksgiving 2014.  Our family gathered together to enjoy a fabulous meal.  Paige had just begun the maintenance phase in treatment, and we were giving thanks for the abundant blessings we had received over the course of a very long year.  My beautiful girl was getting stronger and healthier with each passing day--and well on her way to a clean bill of health.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2015.  It has now been almost three months since her relapse, and Paige just completed a very rough 6-day block of chemotherapy.  She has battled severe headaches that called for IV pain relievers.  Nausea requiring a delicate balance of three medications.  Mouth sores that make swallowing, chewing--even talking--painful.  It doesn't stop there.  We are now on alert as her counts go down, a necessary part of the whole process.  Our family will still gather together, but Paige and I will join them via FaceTime rather than face-to-face.  She and I will still enjoy some home-cooked holiday yumminess--just a little later in the day than the rest of our family.  Yes, Turkey Day this year is quite a different scene, but still we give thanks.

From Paige's initial diagnosis to her recent relapse, this journey continues to teach me what it means to be truly, wholly thankful.   Not for just one day.  Not for just one month.  I'm talking every single day.  I am thankful.

Thankful for God's love, mercy, and abundant grace.  He is my rock, my fortress, my refuge.

Thankful for a top-notch medical team that works diligently to provide the best care possible--not just for my daughter, but for all the kiddos here.  They do a pretty incredible job caring for the parents, too!

Thankful for an amazing family that continues to grow in strength and faith.  They take care of each other as well as the 'extras' so I can focus on Paige.

Thankful for friends we have made along this journey, families whose precious children are fighting similar battles.  We cheer for them, pray for them, and have all kinds of love for them.

Thankful for my daughter and her fighting spirit.  Paige is ready to annihilate this cancer mess once and for all.  She knows we have a rough road ahead and continues to press on with everything she has.

Thankful for time together.  At home or in a hospital room--it doesn't matter where.  Playing a game or watching television in silence because her mouth hurts so badly--it doesn't matter what.  All that matters is that we are together.  For that I am thankful.

Before the busy holiday season kicks into full swing, take some time to give thanks for the blessings in your life.  Give thanks during the good times.  Give thanks during the not-so-good times.  In all things give thanks.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18