Wow! It is hard to believe that 18 months have passed since Kennedy was diagnosed. So much has changed and not always the obvious. As I reflect many things come to mind to be thankful for. Here are the top 25…

1. God is in control! I do not have to worry or fret or try to be God because He will take care of our every need.

2. Kennedy is here and thriving.

3. We have a warm house and food to eat.

4. I am blessed with an amazing family that has been my support when I could not stand.

5. God has sent me the most loving and compassionate friends.

6. Austin survived the rodeo season with minimal injuries.

7. Austin survived baseball and soccer with minimal injuries.

8. Kennedy and Austin are thriving in their homeschool environment.

9. That Kennedy was diagnosed at a time when leukemia can be cured.

10. Her amazing doctors who have cared not only for her but for all of us as well (Dr. Olson, Dr. Norwood, Dr. McGann, Dr. Barclay and nurse practitioner, Tricia)

11. The loving nurses who never fail to carry us through (way too many to name here but I will give it a shot…Megan, Lyndsee, Jeffrey, Amanda, Torey, Stephanie (Mad Dog), Heather & Heather, Melanie, Nellie, Louise, Mona, Suzi, Sam, and so many more!)

12. Kennedy’s physical therapist, Amy, who never fails to go to bat for her no matter what and never gives up.

13. All of the cancer organizations who have helped to support us financially and emotionally.

14. All our dear friends and family who continue to show up at fundraisers and help in anyway possible.

15. That Kennedy can walk and talk and jump and play.

16. For the beautiful children we have been blessed to meet on this journey.

17. For the support that has come from all over the US and Canada…it has definitely restored my faith in humanity.

18. For my sister who lovingly stayed with me even when I kept her up all night and to her husband for letting her without complaining.

19. For my parents who are always there in times of trouble and in times of joy.

20. For my sister-in-law who never fails to send the funniest responses to my e-mails and posts the best messages in Kennedy’s guest book.

21. For Austin’s help in caring for Kennedy and being understanding when Mommy could not be home with him.

22. For my amazing husband who continues to love, honor and protect me and who works hard so that I can give my children all that they need.

23. For all of the refining I have endured at the hand of God. He has shaped me so much this year and my heart just desires to be even closer to Him.

24. For Kennedy showing me that quality of life is far more important than quantity.

25. For a life full of blessing and richness.

May we all be blessed with the love of family and friends tomorrow, may the Cowboys win on Thanksgiving and may we be FULL of turkey.

I Chronicles 16:34 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Love-Hope-Faith-Courage,
Mel