Why I Am Thankful This Thanksgiving

Julie and me having fun with our friends, Jan and Mike Kessler

Last January I visited my oncologist. Things weren’t going very well at the time, and I asked him about how long I could be expected to live.

Now, I resent doctors who play God and pronounce death sentences as if they were law, but I asked him and he answered. He said that Christmas 2007 was very likely my last and that I couldn't expect to see the holidays in 2008.

Well, the holidays are here, and so am I. In fact, I feel much better than I have in months and have been getting stronger every week for the past six weeks or so.

All this and the arrival of Thanksgiving has made me think about what I am thankful for. Here is a partial list.

I am thankful for you. For all the friends and family who have been interested and kind enough to read this blog.

I am thankful for all the cards, letters, emails and phone calls I have received.

I am thankful to be able to drive the car.

I am thankful for the changing of the seasons.

I am thankful for the special kindness of people I hardly know.

I am thankful for my parents, who are alive, young and healthy at 88 years old.

Last night I looked out the window over our bed and saw thousands of stars. I am thankful for this beautiful universe and our place in it.

I am thankful to have some fantastic friends.

I am thankful to wake up each morning.

I am thankful for the love and support of my family.

I am even thankful to mow the lawn (at least most of the time).

I am thankful for Julie, who has has sacrificed much for me without complaint.

I am thankful that I have lived to know my grandson and expect to see my second grandchild in March.

I am thankful to still be alive and relatively healthy.

Strange as it may seem, I am even thankful for having cancer. Of course, I would rather have spent the nearly last two years in some other way, but cancer has taught me a great deal. I am now forced to live in the present moment. I have discovered how compassionate people can be. Cancer has taught me the true value of love.

So, I have much to be grateful for, and I consider myself an incredibly lucky person.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a year filled with love and gratitude.