HOLIDAY OF THANKS

HOLIDAY OF THANKS

Tis the season of giving thanks to family and friends, but where do I begin. It is easier said than done for me to dig deep and get into the holiday season. This past year it has been very difficult to find something to be thankful for, but I have a lot; my friends and family. My first time in over twenty years I am spending with my family for the holidays.

It started at thanksgiving dinner table, sitting there looking at my sister, brother-In-Law and the four beautiful girls they have. Rich began with our thanksgiving prayer. Holding hands we went around the table telling each other of things that we were thankful for. Finally, it was my turn I could only think of them and how they have been there for me and the girls that have become my little nurses. In that moment the world disappeared and only family was all that remained. Even Richs’ mom gave thanks that I was with family and sharing love. I did not feel empty. People are here for love and support.

Though my friends were not sitting there at the table I feel the love from everyone thru the phone calls and cards with follow up e-mails. I have so much to be thankful for but have been blinded by this Disease. At times it is painful physically and mentally but you, my friends, hold me up. Thanks for letting me lean on you. I have taken the advice of a friend and have been sharing my pain and suffering with you in order to get me over the hump. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for letting me.

With the relief of not hanging on to the painful plate of circumstances from the past year alone, I give thanks to everyone that has been here for me. However I don’t feel as though I deserve the caring outpouring of love from you. I don’t know how to repay those of you that have been reaching out. I’m blessed to have become friends with so many beautiful people over the years. My heart has been touched.

I apologize to everyone as my emotions wane back and forth with what is happening. I have a great MS peer counselor and have started medication to help me emotionally. One thing that he is telling me is to not to try and do it alone let people help. I am having a hard time with that because I’m the one that is supposed to help others. It’s who I am, its every fiber of my being.

With that said if anyone needs something fixed or repaired just call I will help. I may not be able to swing a hammer or hang a ceiling fan but I know people that can or I can tell you how to do it over the phone. I just want to give back so badly. It makes me feel whole again, it makes me feel important. It gives me joy helping others. You allow me to find my smile knowing I provide support for others!

So for that I have so much to be thankful for. Take the time to embrace what you have and Love those around you with all your heart you never know when you may need their help…. Happy Holidays!!!

Derek

“We cherish our friends not for their ability to amuse us, but for ours to amuse them.”