Happy Thanksgiving

Great news at the clinic today.  Eric's hematocrit is finally starting to go up!  It is a full point higher than it was last week.  I will soon have a hard time keeping up with Eric on our walks each morning.  Everything else is looking good also.

We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.  It has almost been six months since Eric was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.  Since then he has had two rounds of low dose chemo, one round of killer chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and now is well on the way to recovery.  We have met so many people with variations of bone marrow cancer who have languished in the medical system.  They have endured many rounds of aggressive chemo, or are still waiting for a donor, or have had setbacks since their bone marrow transplant.  We don't know why we have been so fortunate so far, but we are grateful.

Eric and I are thankful for all the love and support we have received from family and friends.  We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness shown to us.  We are grateful for the prayers offered on our behalf.  I wish there were a way to express how much we love and appreciate each person who has impacted our lives for good, but all I can think to say is, may God bless you.

From Eric:

I echo MaryLynn's expressions of gratitude above.  In this regard, give some thought to the word "awareness."  There is much good going on around us that sustains us from moment to moment -- things such as sufficient energy to undertake the tasks of the day, the ability to consume and digest our food and to draw strength from it, our immune system's immediate response to threats to our health, and the power to read and reason.  I didn't think much on these good things until each was compromised as a result of my illness. 

Now, I am very "aware" of these seemingly simple aspects of daily life.  As my body repairs, I am conscious of positive (and at times negative) changes.  My hope is to remain "aware" of these small things that, as I have learned from experience, have immense consequences.  May none of you attain "awareness" in the manner I have.  Rather, for this Thanksgiving, examine the small things -- be "aware" -- and let the proper measure of gratitude move your heart to acknowledge forces greater than our conscious will that sustain us.  For me, I thank God for his love and "awareness" of me.  Take care and have a happy Thanksgiving.