Thanksgiving

A year ago, Steve, the kids and I were in Austin with family, as is our annual tradition.

Steve had been experiencing strange symptoms -- headaches, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, frequent hiccups. He and I were concerned but not overly so. We agreed that he should call his primary care physician as soon as we returned to Dallas. We had no idea what was in store.

Our Thanksgiving list is so much longer this year than any year past -- partly because we've been enveloped by the world's greatest support group and partly because we're even more aware of the blessings we had all along.

We're back in Austin now. After almost a year of battling cancer, our lives are drastically different, and yet they are comfortingly the same. Same traditional Thanksgiving dishes, same joyous sounds from the four young cousins, same sense of family, same feeling of God's love. The blessings are amplified. And we are so thankful.

Some of you shared what you're thankful for this year. It's a beautiful list.

People who reflect God's love
-- Cheryl B.

Friendships during the holidays
-- Kris B.

Friends and family
-- Shannon R.

The support, the love and the prayers shown to my family over the last year
-- Natalie W.

The laughter of my children and the love I feel from Jeff the minute he walks in the door. I am thankful for this very moment of my children's lives and the joy it is to raise them. I do not want to speed up one minute of it, yet I don't really want to slow it down either. I am just thankful for the moment!
-- Melanie D.

My family, my husband and our two precious, precious little boys. And for friendships I never thought I'd have or deserved -- so, so grateful.
-- Jamie H.

The power of God that gives us courage to meet the toughest challenges with grace and confidence. And to actually find joy along these sometimes-rocky roads.
-- Sharon G.

Family, friends, employment and a roof over my head
-- Jennifer P.

My two children, my grandchildren, my health and my job
-- Leti D.

God's promises: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart--I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
-- Armayor family

I am so very, very thankful that: I live in a country in which I don't have to worry daily about my physical safety and that of my family; I can readily find affordable food to eat and clean water to drink; I have the freedom to worship God in my church; I have the right — as a woman — to work, wear and say what I want and have a voice in society and government; I know that my children, both my boy and my girl, will have a publicly funded education in a safe, heated building, without fail, August through May. I am profoundly grateful for all these things because I know most people in the world can't say the same.
-- Jennifer S.

All our caring friends who have stayed by our side this past year and for Stephen, Tyra, Cooper, Katie, and Jim, whose love and positive attitudes have continued to bless all the lives they have touched. Each new day is a gift. I am humbled with gratitude.
-- Betty D.

My family (especially my beautiful wife), good friends, music, laughter, hope, faith, memories, freedom, helping hands, warm blankets on cold nights, good food ... just to name a few.
-- Andy F.

Family and good friends
-- Liz S.