Happy Thanksgiving to all!

A lot of you have asked for a pic of me in the wig so here you go! I haven't worn the longer style yet so maybe we will do a new pic next week. I was very nervous about wearing it on Monday but everyone at work has been so great. Some people think I just got a haircut so that makes me feel good knowing that it must not look too fake. It doesn't feel great to wear but I am hoping with time it will get more comfortable and I hope that I will be more comfortable with the idea of going out with just a hat or scarf on...I think cutting off my hair over a couple days and being completely drugged up helped me get thru that trauma but it is still so hard to even look in the mirror...it just seems like a stranger looking back at me. I can only hope that it will get easier to cope with over time. It is so sad that this is a side affect of the chemo....when you see it in the movies it always seems so horrible but living thru is one of the worst things I have ever had to deal with. I really don't consider myself a very vain person but as women we are expected to have hair and now I don't. If you go out with just a hat or scarf you get that horrible sympathetic look that you are dying (haven't tried this yet but I have read about it over and over). I just wish that no other woman would have to go thru this.....it's just something that is hard to explain.... The kids seemed to do ok when they first saw me. Jillian kind of thought it was silly but instantly wanted to know when I would get my hair back. Tyler just looked and didn't say much. I think the difference is that he understands that I have a serious disease and Jillian doesn't really know what is going on.

For Thanksgiving Bret's Dad and Nancy are coming to visit. We are planning to go out to eat and then take the kids to Gameworks to hang out for the evening. It's hard not to do the whole traditional Thanksgiving thing but this is what works best for us this year...Tyler seemed disappointed that we would not be eating at home but when I told him about Gameworks that perked him up. I worry that these are the things that he will remember about me being sick and that makes me sad....

On a happier note....this is the time of the year that we are supposed to take time out to think about all the things that we are thankful for. Since my diagnosis it seems like I list these things in my prayers to God each day but I wanted to share them with you. I know Bret and I have expressed our thanks to all of you so many times and it just never seems like enough. It's been over two months since I found out about having cancer and each day I am still overwhelmed by the love that has surrounded us during our time of need. Monday was a really tough day emotionally and physically and it was so nice to get home and have some very sweet gifts arrive in the mail - you know who you are and your timing just could not have been better - your thoughts really brightened my day. Tonight we had another great meal delivered....all of you that are pitching in on the meals are just so generous and caring. So I just have to say thank you again for the cards, calls, emails, text messages, blog posts and all the other things you all do to keep my spirits up on the darkest of days.....here is my list of what I am thankful for this year -

INCREDIBLE Family & Friends!!!!!
My friends at work who just seem to know when I need a big hug
A loving God that continues to give me strength to get through each day
The many people that are praying for me that I don't even know (church prayer lists)
My new on-line friends that started chemo in November with me
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (it's on right now...one of my all time faves!)
Being able to laugh at myself
A beautiful November day (it was sunny and warm today...the leaves looked so pretty)
HOPE
The words "I Love You!"
A hubby that takes such good care of me!

I hope that each of you know what a gift you are to us....I hope that you and your families have a very blessed Thanksgiving....please take just a moment and remember all the things (big and small) that you are thankful for...it will put a smile on your face! Love to All!