Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and not just because I get to eat lots and lots of stuffing. I love it because it's a no-pressure holiday where you can hang with your family, enjoy each other's company and zone out in a communal tryptophan stupor. Thanksgiving is also right around my birthday, this year it's on Friday. No need to send presents. Or stuffing.
Anyway, I feel like I have a lot to be thankful for this year, especially with Max. I'm grateful for...
...the sound of "OHMMMY"—hearing Max call me that thrills me every single time...the stem cell transplant...Max's determination to try, try and try again, no matter how difficult the task may be...the Little League Challenger Division...the color purple...Max's bright eyes...his ability to turn on a computer by himself and navigate a game...his recognition of how to spell his name and pronounce the letters M-A-X...his growing comprehension in every area...his newfound ability to climb and descend stairs, with only a little help...his singing, another new skill...his love for chocolate ice-cream, which he asks for by name...his blossoming independence in every area...his big, slurpy, open-mouthed kisses...the fact that he has proved those pessimistic doctors wrong, wrong and WRONG. Oh, if they could see him now.
What's on your gratitude list about your kids?
What a great post...I am thankful for my daughter's new heart...a gift of life and one that there are no words that are worthy to explain. I can so relate to your joy in experiencing all those little things! Thanks for reminding me though!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me of all the positive things in Jake's life.
Little things mean the most because they represent the most improvement.
I don't even know how to put into words how grateful I am that Emmett is here. What a gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm also very grateful for all of the parent bloggers (and commenters!) who make me feel less alone, offer advice and make me laugh when I need it most. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I am thankful for your blog, which I now read all the time and never fails to warm my heart. And I am endlessly thankful for Zoë, the angel in my life who gives me strength during the darkest of days, and makes the sunny ones brighter than I could have ever imagined.
ReplyDeleteYES! I am sure you are thankful for those things, everyday, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteOur extraordinary children are the greatest gift in our lives. They shower us with lessons in love, compassion and humility everyday. I am grateful to have been chosen to be the parent of such one terrific individual.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that my beautiful little girl, who had muscle lengthening surgery on November 13, is wearing her cast and getting around like a little trooper and wearing her big long leg immobilizers all night every night with minimal compliants. She is strong and brave and an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely need to take a cue from you and learn to be more thankful. It'll be tougher this year because of the timing of T-Day and another event remembered but maybe after I will sit down and think of some positive stuff. Takes effort these days, but you tend to inspire people.
ReplyDeleteMy list would be far too long when it comes to the kids. Just that they are here and happy is enough.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for Daniel's determination and courage. He goes through so much due to his stroke, yet his smile rarely leaves his face. He's so much braver than I could ever hope to be.
ReplyDeleteHis sense of humor has gotten us both through some tough times. Looking at his big blue eyes and hearing his jovial laugh as he plays one prank or another on me is enough to lift me out of even the darkest mood.
Most of all, I am grateful that he is here. As I'm sure you know, some young stroke survivors do not survive. No matter how much stress I may sometimes experience as the result of Daniel's diagnosis, I remind myself how lucky I am that he's here.
So much to ge grateful for! My son learned how to walk in July of this year. He was 5 years + 2months old. I am thankful to be the mother of such a delightful, inspiring, wonderboy...and his 2 dynamic sisters.
ReplyDeleteI am also thankful that my soldier hubby will be home for Christmas this year. :)
I'm grateful for everything. All of it. My kids amaze me every-single-day. They are awesome. They are everything. I think you know exactly how I feel.
ReplyDeletebeautiful. I'm actually grateful for the internet and blogs. Your stories make me feel connected and less alone in this battle. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! It can be so easy to look at the hard things, the struggles, the things that we don't have, but really we have so much to be thankful for! It is sad that we need a special day to remind us of that. I am thankful for Emily and all that she has taught me. I am a stronger person because I am Mom to that little girl.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the people I have met because of Chloe that I otherwise never would have met. You're one of em. Love ya girl! Thanks for all you do to uplift and teach me. F'real. :)
"OHMMMY"--love this!! xoxo
ReplyDelete