November 25, 2021

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.  

Marcus Tullius Cicero – 106 BC-43 BC – Roman Statesman-Philosopher

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Good morning y’all and let me start by wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

While so many of you are getting out of bed to start your day of cleaning and cooking and getting ready to celebrate with family. I am sitting here reflecting on the many, MANY, things that I am grateful for today. 

Crazy enough, one of the things that I am grateful for is getting cancer.   I know that sounds crazy, right?  But it is.  Because of cancer, because of this journey that I am on, I am now able to see differently, feel differently, act differently – all of which I will carry with me daily. Because of this journey, I now see that it’s not the material things that make us happy/important/fulfilled/(insert your word here), it’s not the new job, new car, the new Louis Vuitton purse, new shoes, jewelry, etc.   

It’s the small things such as – your HEALTH, your FAMILY, your FRIENDS/CO-WORKERS/CHURCH FAMILY/PETS (insert your word here).  It’s being intentional and SHOWING up. 

It’s taking the time to reach out to someone in need with a call/card/text or something as simple as being kind to others – opening a grocery store door, helping someone load their car, etc.  We never know what others are going through so let’s get back to the basics of being kind to one another?  Lord knows in the world we live in today with COVID, virtual schooling, crazy politics, etc. we all could use a little bit of extra kindness right?

I would like to share a few of the many gestures that were shared with me this week.  God is so good y’all.  He is faithful and knew exactly when I needed to see/read/hear these messages and more importantly, he knows that they need to be shared with all of you.  I hope you enjoy the following:

• Hank Johnson shared this post on LinkedIn yesterday.  Hank is a co-worker of mine, someone who I highly respect and cherish a co-worker and a friend.  His wisdom is like none other – please enjoy the words of wisdom he shared here.  I will summarize below:
  • The holidays can be brutal and/or lonely for someone that has experienced an unexpected death of their partner/spouse (been there, 1997), child, career, or a long-term relationship (been there too, 2020). I was extraordinarily lucky to have people walk alongside me that helped “expand my circle” as I went through the grieving process. Most just listened to me. A call, handwritten note, visit, or text can help more than you will likely ever know. Maybe this year we can start a trend of being intentional around reaching out to others that are hurting to ask “How are you doing” or to say “Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you”. #behuman
• My parent’s church group is called, The Living Stones and these wonderful wise people lift me and my family up daily in prayer.  One of their members sent this card with the following written in it this week, it says:
  • Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday, not because of the food or parade – but because it reminds us to be grateful to the One who can turn our problems around for HIS glory and our good.  So let’s worship Him through our struggles as well as our good. He loves you unconditionally and is comforting you as I write.  Stay Strong, Be courageous, Praise God!  (Doesn’t that just fill your heart with comfort and peace knowing that God’s timing is perfect?)
• I received this text message today from a fellow survivor, a new friend, a cherished friend – someone who has walked where I am walking, sat where I am sitting, and made it through the road that I am traveling.  This beautiful friend provides hope – light – friendship to me.  Thank you (You know who you are). She wrote:
  • Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, filled with all the people and things that make you happiest!  While this may not be like the past holidays, it’s likely one where you recognize just how special every bit of it is.  Hope that you are feeling well. 

In closing, I too, am thankful for all the things that we all are – my health, my family (near and far), my friends, my co-workers, my church family, my job, health insurance, a home, food, clothing, warmth, etc.  But the thing I am most thankful for is God’s Blessings and continued provisions and faithfulness.  Trust me when I say – that is something money can’t buy.

Wishing you all a very blessed Thanksgiving today.

Xo,

Tracy