Reflecting on blessings

From one who has been through the valley of cancer:

I am grateful to have a day to reflect on my many blessings.  Here are some of the things I was thankful for today:

• The opportunity to experience the joy, pride, and even frustration of being the mother of teenage boys. 
• Healthy parents.
• Siblings who jumped on planes to attend appointments with me.
• Siblings who attended appointments with mom and dad when I couldn't. 
• Siblings who sent care packages, cards, and texts.
• A family that made sure I ate well.
• A sister who hung out with me for twelve hours of surgery and chemo.
• Siblings-in-law who spent hours on the phone and internet helping me find solutions.
• Friends who wore "Vera shirts" on Fridays.
• Answered prayers.
• Strength and peace during a trying year.
• Assurance:  "To live is Christ; to die is gain."
• Laughter.
• Hair.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery; today is a gift. That's why it's called the Present."  I am so thankful each of you!  I love you!

My thanks and appreciation for this survivor's comments.  They cause each of us to pause and reflect on how good God is to each of us.

NOTE: I originally shared this with my readers in November 2011.  It would bear sharing again for someone out there might need this word of encouragement.