Gratitude

grat·i·tude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ noun the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Today is a day for celebrating thankfulness and gratitude, and not just for the turkey (and mashed potatoes 🙌🏻). A few months ago I went to the doctor for a routine appointment that ended up not being so routine. I had abnormal test results and found that I had precancerous cells that had an almost 50% chance of being endometrial cancer. After a lot of prayers and tears I decided to have a hysterectomy, something that was recommended but told that even afterwards, there could be a chance that it spread and would need further treatment after surgery. Between calls, text, prayers and offers to drop everything and come down to visit, it was probably one of the most emotional times of my life. Jason and I spent several years trying to have a baby, and I spent most of that time trying to be okay with not. And at the end of all that, after time after time of being unsuccessful, it took an abnormal test result to end it. I didn’t want this. Surgery in general isn’t on my list of fun things to do, but the hardest was the hope for this thing I wanted and prayed for, that I thought would make me complete {fyi..something only Jesus can do} it makes it over. But in the middle of those feelings came something beautiful. A purpose for our adventure. And this beautiful girl isn’t replacement or second choice for something I can’t have. Just beautiful by herself. Something we didn’t know we needed until she came into our lives. And now, I would chose this beauty over something I thought I wanted, every time. And in the end, I had my amazing aunt (and uncle) come to be there before and after surgery, packed with our favorite treats from home. My sweet husband, who has helped me with all the worst parts of recovery, and never complains about my endless requests. The best dad, who has been there for every surgery I’ve needed to have and made sure I had everything possible to recover well. My favorite girl, who shares my love of naps and got some hospital snuggles. Endless prayers, texts, calls, cards and flowers...lots of love 💛 Before I was even awake from surgery, they knew there was no cancer anywhere, a gift that didn’t sink it until later..filled with tears, prayers and thankfulness. I don’t take any of those amazing blessing for granted and I’m so thankful for a God who is so gracious to provide 💛