The prompt for day 22 of National Health Blog Post Month is to write about something we are thankful for. That is not very shocking considering it is Thanksgiving in the US today. Despite suffering from a migraine that doesn’t seem to want to go away, I have been looking forward to today all week. I am having a small celebration at home with just my parents and grandparents….and of course, my two dogs who I am sure will be enjoying some turkey under the table (sssshhh). Anyway, as I sat down to write this post, I realized that even though this year started out pretty badly, it is *knock on wood* rounding out okay. I do have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I can’t seem to pick just one thing so here goes…

I am thankful to have met my friend Megan because through her, I participated in Get Your Guts in Gear and was finally able to see that I wasn’t alone. It was through Meg and GYGIG that I was also able to just be ME and see what I truly deserved from the people in my life. I can never repay Megan for what she has given me.

I am thankful for Sara whose videos and blogs were what kept me going in the beginning of this year and whose friendship I am so grateful for today. Sara’s dedication and hard work in the IBD community showed me that I wasn’t alone at a time when I felt alone the most. She was my voice when I didn’t have the strength to speak for myself and now she is one of my best friends who I look up to and admire with all of my heart.

I am thankful for Brian and the Intense Intestine Foundation because without me seeing their motto “Never Stay Quiet” this one day earlier in the year, I never would have internalized what I really needed to achieve some kind of inner peace. That moment, that post, those words were what allowed me to truly see what I needed in life.

I am thankful to have been introduced to Amanda (through Val who I am also so grateful to have met). Amanda is the one person who I know I can count on no matter what. I am so thankful to have her in my life. We are so similar and therefore, I know we have been such an enormous gift to each other. I can’t remember what life was like without A in it and now I know I never will have to.

I am thankful for all of the wonderful support I was met with after I finally decided to open up and share my story after 12 long and painful years. The outpouring of love I received from everyone who read my story and/or my blog gave me the strength and courage to keep writing, keep sharing, and keep healing. I had no idea what to expect when I opened up my life for everyone to see and I seriously cannot thank all of you enough for what you have done for me.

And last but certainly not least, I am thankful to my family for always being there for me no matter how tough things get. Thank you for never giving up on me even when it would have been easy to do so. Thank you mom and dad for continuing to believe in me and encourage me without adding pressure. Thank you for knowing me so well. Thank you for holding me tightly when I need to feel safe in your arms or when I need to have a good cry. Thank you for always being available to listen to me and giving me your opinions and thoughts. Thank you for trusting me enough to allow me to do things on my own time table. Thank you for always making sure I know how much I am loved and that as long as you are alive (for another 100 years- knock on wood), you will continue to be there for me. Thank you for talking out the countless life altering decisions with me. But mostly, just thank you…thank you mom and dad for putting your lives on hold for me…to take care of me…to love me…to make sure I am okay…to make sure I know you are there… < 3

I have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving 2012 and I feel very lucky.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and happy holiday!