Counting my Blessings...

It’s Thanksgiving, and I’m sitting here at the end of the day. I’ve had all day to ponder about the things I’m grateful for. This year has been a very difficult year for our family, both financially and with my health. It’s always hard to understand why bad things happen, and it’s easy to feel like your blessings have all but disappeared. But, that’s not true. I have much to be grateful for. I have the greatest husband. One wonderful thing that happens when a couple goes through trials together is that they become closer. Rick has emerged as my hero. He rarely lets me know the worst with our finances. He just smiles and says, “You don’t need to worry about that.” When breast cancer reared its ugly head, Rick took it all in stride. Knowing all of the surgeries and yucky stuff I’d be in for, he gutted our bedroom, and cleaned every little bit of it. He rearranged everything and put things back. It was so nice and beautiful. It made me feel better and, yes, I was very grateful. It’s not easy to take care of a sick spouse. What a trouper he has been. I’m grateful for my 4 sons. Grant, who is serving an LDS mission in Japan, has, I’m sure, had a difficult time dealing with my health problems. I’m sure he worries and wishes he could help. He is nothing but kind and upbeat every time he emails. I know, without a doubt, that his service to his Heavenly Father - his dedication and his hard work – are the reasons I’m doing ok. What a blessing he is. Michael, even though he is away at college, has seemed to be there for me whenever I need him. He has been present at some of the hard parts of this “adventure”. He has buoyed me up. I’m so grateful for him. Alex and Matthew have had to be very present in our family this whole year, and so have been very involved in everything that has happened. Kids their ages should never have to worry about finances or sick moms. They should be worrying about schoolwork, sports, girls, etc. But, they NEVER complain. Their first thoughts when they arrive home after school are to come and see how I am. They’ve taken on so many responsibilities and always help out. Two more incredible blessings. And that’s just my immediate family!
In the last few months, I’ve witnessed love and charity in a way I didn’t know existed. The scriptures tell us that charity is the pure love of Christ. Our family has been showered with this pure love of Christ. Our families, friends, neighbors, ward members – all have exhibited this trait of Christ and my testimony has been strengthened. I’ve had rides to every single doctors appointment and offers of help with any chores I have. Just to name a few: my parents, who come and do my laundry every Saturday, my mother-in-law, Carolyn, who helped me clean my house. My cousins, Tina and Wendy, who text and call me constantly to see how I’m doing, my sister, Kris, who doesn’t let a day go by without checking on me. My sister-in-law, Cindy, who is concerned about the food I’m eating and has brought fresh fruits and vegetables, my Relief Society President, Janie Squire, who is a cancer survivor herself – always checking on me, offering suggestions, making sure I’m comfortable. There are so many others – friends who cheer me up and church members who have delivered over 45 dinners in the last 4 months! I could go on and on. It reminds me of a favorite scripture I have: Doctrine & Covenants 84:88 – “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” I am very well aware that Heavenly Father has surrounded me with His love and concern, sending angels to help hold me up. The sweet thing is that I recognize those angels – all of you! Thank you so much for helping me recognize the blessings among the hard things. Happy Thanksgiving!!