Stories of Gratitude

I awoke again at 3AM this morning with thoughts of gratitude. They didn’t keep me awake like they have in the past but they were there. It is making me struggle; There are so many people that have done so many wonderful things to help me and my family out, I don’t know how to ever acknowledge, let alone thank everyone in a meaningful way. I want to start writing about some of the wonderful gifts that we’ve received but I am afraid; since I am so limited in strength, internet connection and just plain time and memory/ brainpower that I won’t get to everyone. I won’t be able remember everything. I will leave people out, I will hurt feelings. That is my concern. I just don’t think it is a big enough concern to keep me from writing about all the good. What do you think?


I am going to start telling specific stories of how friends have stepped up, joined in the fight and as a result have moved closer to me. I do this because I can’t let it go. I’ve got to write the stories of how acquaintances became dear friends and how dear friends became family. Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to remember everything. Important loved ones giving amazing gifts are going to be left out because I am human. I’m sorry for that but I just have to start telling some of my Stories of Gratitude (SOG).

Auntie Chris, one of the Chickenhawk’s four sisters has sent me at least one get well card a week since last February. Her cards seem to find me wherever I am (even in the hospital) and they never ever fail to cheer me up when they arrive. A card a week… I often wonder if she takes a lunch break every Tuesday and goes to pick out this week’s special card, or if she goes to hallmark once a season and buys all the get well cards on the rack and just saves them up to send weekly. Either way, they sure do cheer me up.

The cards, however, are small potatoes compared to the real help she has given us. Back in late June when I was first starting the BMT process. We had a major caretaker’s scheduling snafu. I was on my way in to the hospital with infections and complications and we needed an extra adult hand around the house to help take care of things. Like a true blue hero sister Auntie Chris dropped everything and flew up from southern CA to run our girls lives for a week while the Chickenhawk took care of me. We had no worries about the kids they were in really good, loving hands. Thanks Auntie Chris.

Quick Update: I am getting out of the hospital today and moving to "outpatient" status. I will be living in temporary housing near the hospital and going in for daily infusions of whatever I need to keep the healing going. This is a major graduation. I have been in the hospital since September 5th. Today will be the first time I've been outside in all that time.

David is my caretaker right now and Granny is visiting. More details soon. I am recovering well. I am ready for the transition but a little nervous.