So much to be thankful for...

As Thanksgiving day approaches, it's time to reflect on what we're thankful for in our lives.  There is so much that I'm thankful for, especially this year which has been a particularly challenging one.  For starters, I'm thankful for the wonderful support system I have in my family and friends.  You all really stepped up to the plate this year to hold me up when my world was crumbling around me.  You continue to provide Josh and I with so much love, and without you,  this cancer battle would be a lonely journey.  You make sure that we're always in your thoughts and prayers, and your positive words of hope give us so much strength.  For you, I'm thankful!

I'm thankful for my health.  You may be thinking, "your health??"  but it's true.  In general, I'm a pretty healthy person outside of this whole cancer nonsense.  I've always tried to take reasonably good care of my body, but now especially, it's important that I do what I can to stay healthy.  I've been working out to keep my heart strong and my weight down, and trying to eat healthy foods (for the most part =) ).   I want to live a long healthy life.  Isn't that the goal for all of us?  If not, it should be.  We're only given one life.  Make it count!

Times are hard right now, and people are out of jobs.  I've been thankful and continue to be thankful that both Josh and I are employed and work for incredibly understanding bosses.  I'm able to leave for appointments without the 20 questions, and Josh has been able to be with me for all of my chemo Friday's.  Continuing to bring in regular paychecks is important and health insurance is a HUGE deal.  In the beginning of this all, I had only been with my new job a month, and was very fearful of not being able to meet the work demands and losing my job.  What would I have done?  Without work we'd be in so much trouble with all the medical bills I've racked up since August.  When the going gets tough, always know that it can always be worse.  I'm able to continue getting chemo treatments bi-weekly, and when I need to see a doctor, I'm able to do so without the heartburn of wondering, "how am I ever going to pay this bill?"

I have been so incredibly blessed in my life and will always be thankful.  It does me no good to dwell on things in my life that aren't working out in my favor or the things I've missed out on.  It's all about moving forward and remembering to thank your lucky stars for all the good in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Madson's