THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

It is the night before Christmas and the house is now quiet and gives me time to reflect on the last year.

Someone commented to me the other day that 2017 had been a really shitty year for us.  At first, I agreed, but tonight I have to disagree as I think about all the amazing things that have happened during 2017.

The top of the list has to be the birth of my first grandchild (Elijah) and how blessed I was to have been in Canada with Leah and Chris when he was born.  Thinking of their little family, I am so blessed that I have a son-in-law so wonderful as Chris.  I give thanks every day for how he looks after Leah and how happy he is to share not only his new little family but also his extended family with Wayne, Conrad and I.

A huge blessing is having my Niece tell me how great she is feeling with her new kidney, and her new lease on life and tonight looking her gorgeous brother her gifted her the kidney I have to smile and say a little thank you to the universe.

I have to also be so thankful for how great my new hip continues to be.  The lack of hip pain is such a relief, that at times I forget I had ever been in constant pain and wonder why I waited so long to have the surgery.

My work which has always be fun and a place I use to enjoy getting up and going to each day, has become a trial and a challenge (which I am still working on), but just when it was at a low point, I was offered a position at the Tournaments, that I so wanted to do, it made me fizz.  I admit that having to turn the job down due to my Chemo Regime was horrid, but still, the fact they believed in me enough to offer it, is a great bonus.

Wayne contracting meningitis was scary, but we caught it in time and he has bounced back so well.  So, luck again was on our side.

Being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer was a shock and very scary.  The fear of the unknown, the surgery and the chemo regime have all been horrible each in their own nasty way.  But I can’t help feeling blessed as well.

I thank this nasty disease for making me so aware of the amazing friends and family I have.  This blog came about so that I could put down in one place what was happening to me, so I wasn’t repeating myself over and over to those that were concerned.  But it has done more than that, it has enlightened me and given me a different strength, and a whole new view on positivity.  The comments you all make on my posts leave me in awe of you all.  They say it takes a village to raise a child, well I believe that it is a village that is supporting me through this time.  I can never thank you all personally, so again, and I know I have said this before, but thank you all for your thoughts, comments, and love.  They lift me up at times when I so need it.  Then through this journey, the old friends I have reconnected with has in itself has been a blessing.

My support crew through this journey prepared to waste days on gossip and laughter while the toxic cocktail is being administered.  Or through the bad days laugh with me, cry with me, or are just be there for me.  How am I so blessed to have such amazing women in my life.

And tonight, Christmas Eve, as I sat and looked around at the family who had come to be with us at Christmas, I had to admit to shedding a wee tear.  My sister and hubby, the 2 brothers at the BBQ, the cousins all laughing together, the friends who really are more like family than friends, the ever-energetic Nana and my gorgeous 4 kids/grandkid.  Then I start thing about tomorrow, Christmas Day, when even more cousins and family will be here, as well as friends who are more family than friends.

Thinking through all these blessing, how could I think anything other than what a wonderful and enlightening year this has been.  Bring on 2018, I am excited to see what you’re going to bring.