Threads of Gratitude: Birthday Suit Edition

Wait, something about that title just doesn’t sound right…

Tomorrow is Matt’s birthday.  And this year we have reason to celebrate another year of LIFE!  Considering all that he has endured – and survived – over the past year, he deserves to celebrate and be celebrated.  As I look forward to his 45th birthday tomorrow, I offer 45 reasons to be grateful…for him, for his life, and for all that has been in the past 365 days.

  1. I’m grateful for doctors.
  2. I’m grateful to be living in an area rich in medical advancements.
  3. I’m grateful for health insurance.
  4. I’m grateful for high deductible health plans.
  5. I’m grateful for meeting deductibles on said health plans before a major illness strikes.
  6. I’m grateful for our Honda Fit.
  7. I’m grateful for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
  8. I’m grateful for my friend Charity and her beautiful home and her wonderful hospitality.
  9. I’m grateful for sharpie markers and silly mornings before surgery.
  10. I’m grateful for my laptop.
  11. I’m grateful for God’s sovreignty.
  12. I’m grateful for God’s peace that allows us to laugh in the midst of stressful times.
  13. I’m grateful for hospitals.
  14. I’m grateful for Upward Soccer and Cub Scouts to keep a sense of “normalcy” in our lives.
  15. I’m grateful for our Sloan Creek neighbors who brought us meals…and the one in particular who reached out and organized it all.
  16. I’m grateful for our Life Group.
  17. I’m grateful for Superman gift bags that come with a miniature cape.
  18. I’m grateful for my mom.  To explain that more fully would require another 45-point list (at least!).
  19. I’m grateful for my piano and my blog, where I could process my emotions on this amazing journey.
  20. I’m grateful for Matt’s strength.
  21. I’m grateful for Dr. Froelich.
  22. I’m grateful for our chemo nurses.
  23. I’m grateful for Buff, who took time to bring us lunch on chemo days, despite her busy schedule.
  24. I’m grateful for Music by DESign.
  25. I’m grateful for Den 3 – now the Mighty Scorpion Patrol – and especially Lori, who filled in and helped out wherever – and whenever – necessary.
  26. I’m grateful for our church and praying pastors.
  27. I’m grateful for Christmas and the joy of sharing it together.
  28. I’m grateful for South Padre.
  29. I’m grateful for our childrens’ birthdays and the joy of celebrating their lives in special ways.
  30. I’m grateful for Pinewood Derbies.
  31. I’m grateful for honey-do lists.
  32. I’m grateful for my brothers and having them here to celebrate my 40th birthday.
  33. I’m grateful for God’s provision for our family.
  34. I’m grateful for chemotherapy and drugs that heal and cure.
  35. I’m grateful for UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Seay Cancer Center.
  36. I’m grateful for McGowen Elementary School, and Mrs. Snyder and Ms. Sifferman.
  37. I’m grateful for the office staff at McGowen and secretaries that pray.
  38. I’m grateful for Bunco groups and Easter Egg Hunts.
  39. I’m grateful for piano recitals and Phillip Keveren’s arrangement of “How Beautiful.”
  40. I’m grateful for April 14.
  41. I’m grateful for all-clear PT scans and the word “remission.”
  42. I’m grateful for 16 years of marriage.
  43. I’m grateful for the promise of many more.
  44. I’m grateful for sharing life with my best friend.
  45. I’m grateful for Jehovah Raphah…God, My Healer.