WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME KNOW? (GRATITUDE AT THANKSGIVING)

(This is my last excerpt from my recently published memoir of my time with ovarian cancer in 2015. The words in italics are from my journal entries. This excerpt was written just before Thanksgiving, when I had completed the most difficult of my chemotherapy treatments.)

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Grandpa Bob often said, “If you are always grateful, you will have a happy life.” His words are true. During this time, I discovered that even in our trials there would be blessings to find; I just needed to notice them. I made a gratitude list on Thanksgiving Day.

Generous God, I thank you. Thank you for this new hope I have for a wonderful future with Jim and our family. Thank you for bringing all of us—Jim, Kevin, Leila, Angie, Jennie, and our families and friends—through our struggles and to this day. Thank you that we CAN celebrate and be so very grateful for life. Help me to never forget what a treasure each day is. You are an amazing God.

This Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for these blessings… (I list a number of them in the book). Thank you for all other gifts that have not yet come to mind. Keep me aware of your presence; let me not become so busy and scheduled that I don’t listen or watch for you. Guide me through this day. Let me be a source of love and kindness.

I love you, God. We have come so far. Today I rejoice!

Grateful Karen,

Your heartfelt gratitude blesses me, but it blesses you, too. When you take time to notice and acknowledge the blessings I shower on you, your heart is uplifted. Your countenance is more cheerful. Your life is more deeply rich and full.

Live in gratitude, for life itself is the most precious gift of all. That you even exist is a gift from me. You are alive. You have a feeling soul and a thinking mind.

The lessons of this worldly life are abundant treasures, too.

Yes, you have faced some very trying times, but I was always with you. I gave you strength and courage. I helped you endure each hour of the day until you could rest again in sleep. I gave you family and friends to help, and Jim’s help, despite his heart surgery and stroke. I have heard the many prayers of concerned friends and strangers. I have helped you become aware of many gifts along the way.

And now, I have restored your health. Enjoy these holidays, savor each moment and each person, and know that I am still present, always.

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Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends.

Photo by Karen

My memoir, What Would You Have Me Know? Contemplation and Companionship in a Time of Cancer is available in paperback or Kindle. During my time with cancer, I deeply sensed God’s loving presence through my prayerful reflections and the kindness of others. I wrote this book as a gift of gratitude to God and the caring people in my life–but I pray that it may also serve as a source of peace and hope for any reader.