This Thanksgiving week gives me pause because it's been quite a year for me, and I feel  like I've grown a lot as I'm also coming to my 50th (YIKES) birthday this Sunday. My dear Dad died 21 years ago and that changed the way I felt and dealt with so many things.  Ever since, I still think back on my life as Life With Dad, or Life After Dad.  You know how the big events in your life seem to make you do that?  Now I believe I'm going to be referring to my life experiences in my mind as B.c. (Before cancer -- "little c" on purpose), and A.c.  

Maybe you're sharing your views or maybe you're just reading along, but opining with you on this blog is a wonderful, new experience for me that I am thankful for.  I am blessed with my amazing family and friends that seem to have been taking turns knowing just what I need and when I need it, helping me keep my spirits up this year.  I am very grateful that I've been able to work every day throughout my treatments -- I love what I do, and look forward to waking up early and coming in to work to rock out with you and to work with some of the greatest co-workers ever!  I'm thankful that, through my job, I have plenty of opportunities to reach out to others and, hopefully, make a bit of a difference.  I can't believe all the new friends I've made this year -- folks with advice, a thoughtful word or gesture, love, and prayers -- what more could anyone ask for?

Recently I had a friend who's been down-in-the-dumps ask me how I kept from getting depressed after my diagnosis -- she commented on how I always seem to be happy and smiling.  Although I've certainly had my share of "feeling down" moments, I told her that I learned, very quickly, to get outside of myself.  It's all about thinking of others.  The day I shared my diagnosis on the radio, I was flooded with phone calls, letters, and e-mail from people who had been or were going through similar experiences with a health crisis.  What struck me dumb was that every one of these people was genuinely concerned for me -- they were loving and praying for ME when, in most cases, their own situation was much, much worse than mine.  I feel like I've discovered one of life's greatest gifts!  And I'm not sure I'd have fully discovered it if I hadn't been going through such a scare. The holidays are a time of reflection for many -- some people become very depressed.  It's the perfect time to reach out to others, especially if you're a bit down yourself.

I hope that you are feeling thankful this week.  I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!