"When I'm worried and I can't sleep,
I count my blessing instead of sheep,
and I fall asleep counting my blessings."
-Bing Crosby
in White Christmas
Its Thanksgiving today and I can't help thinking what a crazy year it's been. This time last year I was stuck in a hotel in Arizona with my parents as we tried to figure out insurance stuff for my Mayo Clinic visit. It didn't quite feel like Thanksgiving being away from home and the rest of the family, beside it was only about 80 degrees outside and something about that in November feels wrong.
This Thanksgiving was different. I've come to appreciate my family on an even deeper level this year and I felt like I should write it down.
I'm grateful for a mom who has gone above and beyond in all sorts of categories. Who has taken care of me, held my hand through the scariest moments, who has literally picked me up off the floor and help me get a hold of myself, and who has hefted a heavy wheelchair in and out of the car a few times a week so I can go to appointments. I'm grateful for a father who holds the priesthood and can give me blessings, who has washed my hair in the sink when I'm too tired to shower. I'm grateful for a 14 year old brother who has brushed my hair and played countless hours of Candy Crush with me. I'm grateful for an older sister who has come over just to sit with me and keep me company, as we've entertained ourselves with old seasons of Modern Family. I'm grateful for an older brother who calls to check in on me just because, shares fun stories about his life, and sends me articles to read online. I'm grateful for a younger sister who calls while walking on campus and puts a smile on my face with her positivity and fun college stories. I'm grateful for childhood, high school and college besties that have been there through thick and thin.
I'm also grateful for my improving health. Wednesday was the best day I've had yet! I got up and went to my Neurofeedback appointment, followed by going on a fun drive with my mom. Usually that would be all I would be up for doing in a day, most days I get to do one thing but I think that's all changing. After the drive I showered and walked back down the stairs! My new goal is to walk downstairs everyday at 4pm to watch Ellen, and yesterday I got to watch Ellen for the first time in almost a year. It felt like a turning point, so thanks Ellen:) After that I stayed downstairs for five hours for our annual girls night where we watch Little Women. My cousin and uncle stopped by for a visit before I walked up the stairs and finished off the day staying up until 1:30am talking with my little sister.
I know it all sounds cheesy and you may all be annoyed with the month of gratitude Facebook posts but Thanksgiving is all about reminding people to be grateful and even if its just for a month than Thanksgiving is still serving its greatest purpose.
