I am thankful for....

Each year at Thanksgiving time I remember writing those four words on my wide ruled sheet of note paper - I am thankful for.... Of course they would be followed closely behind by a listing of my current favorite toys, cds, or other odds & ends that cluttered my bedroom as a child. Yes I realize it's not Thanksgiving and in fact I just missed Easter, but today I'm finding myself thinking about all that I am thankful for. I am thankful for the many blessings in my life.

2008 has been a difficult year to say the least. My incredible father-in-law Joe is once again battling the cancer we thought he had conquered last year. The chemo treatments are not doing as much as the doctors would like so the stem cell transplant scheduled for this summer has been moved up to take place in three weeks. Although we all knew this transplant was coming that simple fact does not ease any of the anxiety now that the day is rapidly approaching. Joe needs to be in the best health possible for his transplant so our visits from now on will be rather limited to avoid passing on any infections. At this point it's difficult to know what tomorrow will bring... each day brings new worries and also new hope. I find myself thinking of all that I am thankful for....

I am thankful for the incredible family I have married into.. who welcomed me and loved me unconditionally right from the start.

I am thankful for my own family who has always supported me.

I am thankful for Easter Sunday spent with family.

I am thankful for so many blessings in my life.... I am thankful.

The entire Andersen clan in 2006 before the first round of chemo began.

***Edited to add - I just have to take a quick moment to say thank you. When I find a new comment on my blog it totally makes my day... I LOVE comments! The fact that I didn't receive one comment on this post moves me even more. The fact that so many of you took the time to email me directly to send your prayers and thoughts for my father-in-laws recovery is so very much appreciated. I am touched beyond words. :) Thank you so much for your prayers... we will take as many people on our side as we can get! - Much love, Jennifer