I've worked really hard to lean into gratitude while also giving myself permission and space to feel the full array of emotions that have been part of my caregiving experience. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I thought I would share some of the things for which I'm giving thanks this year. 

I am thankful for:

• a comfortable home to rest and recover when I need it.

• friends and family who understand we still deal with inconvenient and disruptive side effects that can unexpectedly impact our plans or limit what we can do together.

• those who understand and affirm that we are all healing and that process can take a lot longer than treatment does.

• ordinary days when we do everyday family things and nothing cancer-related gets in the way.

• the amazing counselors at Kesem at Texas A&M who go above and beyond for our kids and all the campers. As a fellow Kesem parent said to me, "The price of admission is terrible, but it's the best club."

• the caregivers I've met in the last year who truly get what this experience can be like and are unconditionally supportive.

• our pets who provide snuggles and laughs when they are most needed.

• the people who have stuck by us and never minimized our feelings or experience.

• the teachers, coaches, and counselors who love and care for our kids every day and check in on how we're doing along the way.

• my favorite comfort tv shows and movies, like Gilmore Girls, for the days I just want something familiar as a distraction.

• books!!! I have always been an avid reader, but reading has been an even bigger part of my attempts at self-care this year.

• the ability to find humor in the most challenging times and the people who could appreciate our sometimes dark humor.

• interest-free medical bill payment plans, credit card rewards, and airline miles.

• the rare days when we have nothing on the calendar and can spend the day however we'd like.

• the treatments and surgeries that made remission possible.

• the bonds between our family of four and the perspectives we've all gained on what truly matters most.

This can be a joyous and also difficult season for many. It can also be a very busy and stressful time. Before this experience, I tried to make everything perfect, squeezing in as many holiday events as possible. I've scaled way back since then, prioritizing simplicity, shared experiences, and downtime. I also check in with those in my life for whom I know this time of year may be difficult.

I hope we each have a chance to reflect on what we're thankful for this year while also caring for one another. Who knows... you might just be one of the things someone else is thankful for this year.