Thanksgiving this year shines in a whole new light, with a renewed sense of thanks and grace. I couldn’t have known it at the time, but last year’s celebration would be the final “normal” holiday I would have BC – before cancer. 

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I don’t remember a lot about the day. We spent the day in Kansas City with Brian’s family and the kids and came home after a ton of food, conversation and football, but I wish I could grab on to the little memories. It’s not that I want to hang on to those so tightly because I want to return to life BC, but because I want to realize how different things are for me now. 

I made it through the biggest fight of my life. I made it through days where I was so sick that I didn’t want to move an inch and when I was so tired that I just couldn’t keep my eyes open. I made it through panic inducing moments like watching hair come out of my head in clumps and days where food tasted so awful that I didn’t want to eat. But I did it. I made it. 

It hasn’t been an easy year. I’ve experienced the loss of beloved family members, grieved changing friendships and coped with ways that cancer will forever define my life. But one thing I have not done is given up. 

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I became the Mimi to the sweetest boy in the world two months ago. I get to watch my niece continue to grow and learn. I get to spend time with my folks, my family and my friends. I am beyond grateful to have been here for the whole experience. 

Take stock of everything you have to be thankful for and take it all in. Savor those experiences and make tons of memories. I intend to make the most of this beautiful, scary, messy life and I’m glad to spend it with all of you. ❤️