Blessings

I find myself in a very unique situation.  Since my cancer diagnosis I have become keenly aware of the bountiful blessings in my life.  I haven't always recognized these gifts.  For a good number of years I have known I was lucky, but its never been as overwhelmingly obvious as it is now.

I have 2 parents that are supportive, smart, love me & each other, and are shining examples of what parents should be like for everyone. Their stability, intelligence, and humility have cultivated me into the person I am today.  The most important lessons I learned from them were not in words but in actions.  Love your partner, respect those who deserve it, be loyal, be honest, be selfless, be the best person you can be. They are my foundation. Thank you mom and dad for being my parents.

I have a life partner that understands my bad humor and quirks.  The love we share grows deeper with every passing day.  Our relationship isn't flashy or false.  We are best friends that truly enjoy one anothers company.  He helps me bring quite to my soul, so that I can focus on tasks at hand and let go of the minutia that can start to overwhelm me. He is MY better half.  He is my home. Thank you Tim for being my best friend.

I have a sister that isn't one by birth but has been more family to me than I ever could have imagined.  Growing up as an only child I always longed for the kind of closeness we have.  I believe I wished for her to come into my life and the greater powers saw fit to grant me my wish. She helps me to remember to stand up, because even when I am petrified I will fall down she is always at my back to catch me. Since the kitchen is is the heart of the house - she is my kitchen. Thank you Joy for being my sister.

Thanks in no small part to the maturity of my parents I have an amazingly close extended family.  I am lucky enough to know them all and love them all.  Again growing up as an only child your cousins are the closest thing you have to siblings and I love them in a way not common among extended families.  My aunts and uncles are back bones for my parents and help me to be a better human.  This was always my normal, and I find as I get older this is actually not most peoples normal.  I take my normal in heart beat over the alternative. These people are MY people.  They are like me, they have the same quirks and bad humor as I do. They are all a little different but yet the same.  They are my random smiles and warm n fuzzy insides.  These people are my roof. Thank you Tom, Pat, Rick, Linda, Keith, Liz, Tammy, Dale, Chris, Clint, Mindy, Carol, Paul, Becky, Shawn, Alene & Peggy for being my family.

Lastly, but in no way least are my friends.  I have collected quite a crew!  I should say I have been blessed with quite a crew.  I have 2 girlfriends that I have been best friends with for nearly 20 years.  We have seen each other at highs, lows and everywhere in between. I have my 'kids' - a collection of 20+ people that I have known for 15 years.  We are a mix of hippies, professionals, music efficiantos, and nerds.  How this group came to exist would take a book to explain.  But we are 'the kids'.  We have what very few can claim - a group of friends that can at any moment spring any plan into action.  We are our own village.  We are a powerful force to mess with, but open to accepting new 'kids'.  We are dynamic, and humble. I learn various lessons from each individual.  These are my studs. Thank you Danielle, Kelly, Drew, Jay, Shaundra, Jer, Tony, Trish, Raymond, Amanda, Heath, Brian, Kel, Frank, Chuck, Kelly, Carlos, Laurie, Zac, Cristina, Paublita & F for being my 'kids'

I cannot be thankful enough to have these blessings.  I am not sure what I ever did to deserve them.  I am humbled by their love and their support.  I know there are other people that could use some of the same support I have.  I wish I knew how to share it.  I feel selfish keeping it all to myself.  I am 33, I have cancer, and I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Life is fragile - Say your I love you's!