Merry Christmas!

I sat in church tonight and said many prayers. What a year it has been, and even though we've been through hell, I can't help but be thankful.

Thankful for humility - as I lost my hair, and scarred my body with rashes and needle pokes, and as some days I struggled just to have the strength to get out of bed.

Thankful for pain - because without feeling something, the experience wouldn't be real.

Thankful for time - the added time I spent with Brett, Jack and Jenelle. The days in the hospital with my Mom, and best friend Erin. The time to realize the important things in life.

Thankful for the difficulty - because if it hadn't been difficult, I wouldn't have learned as much from it.

Thankful for health and happiness - the new look on life, and the new ways in which I appreciate my body.

In church tonight at Christmas Eve mass. We sat in one of the last rows as a family. As the church sang Silent Night, it was our turn for Holy Communion. And together, as a family, we walked to the altar. Jenelle walked to the alter - holding Brett's hand and my hand. And as I sang, I got a little emotional. We've struggled so much, and yet here we are - healthy and thankful, walking with our amazing little girl to share in his love.

Merry Christmas. Thank you all for the love and support this past year.