Giving Thanks

Giving thanks… I’ve been doing a lot of that the past five months and tomorrow is certainly no exception. Thanksgiving has historically been one of my favorite holidays. At its core, I believe Thanksgiving means spending quality time with loved ones and graciously reflecting on the good things in life. It’s a holiday to give gifts that can't be wrapped, and share in the filling of hearts (and bellies) with happiness. Ironically, this celebration of bringing people together also marks a vivid point in time seven years ago when, if only for a moment, I felt very alone.

The day before Thanksgiving 2008, an MRI revealed that I had a brain tumor and less than a week later, I learned it was cancerous. Without a doubt, every Thanksgiving since has held a deeper meaning for me and carries with it some pretty raw emotions. This Thanksgiving is no different as my roots of gratitude just keep digging deeper. It goes without saying that I don't welcome cancer's return, but I am more thankful than ever for my beautiful children, for my loving husband, for my above-and-beyond supportive family and friends, and for my innate ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Since my first diagnosis, cancer removed any ability I might have had to take things in life for granted-even my breath. I am so grateful to be a part of a cycle of life that keeps cycling, a world that keeps turning and watching time keep on ticking.

Love,
Sareana

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!