Seven months ago I started The Looney. I started my blog more for me than anything. I wanted a journal to track my creative endeavors and vacations and any other memorable moments. I never expected anybody outside my family to read it. Then I had a couple people start following me which I thought was pretty cool. Then last week something happened that I never expected! I received an email from Heather.
Heather is an 8-year survivor of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. At the time of Heather's diagnosis she had just given birth to a baby girl. The Dr's told Heather she only had 15 months to live. Heather beat the odds and is one of few long-term mesothelioma survivors.
Heather received her diagnosis in November and every year she gets what she calls the "November Blues". In an effort to stay focused on the value of life and the value of gratitude she created "30 Days of Thankfulness" where she acknowledges something in her life that she is thankful for every day throughout the month.
This year Heather decided to take her idea to the
blogosphere.
This November, she is asking bloggers to post about something
that they are thankful for, along with sharing a little bit
of her story. When I got Heather's email asking if I would help spread the word of mesothelioma I read her story and read her blog. I was so inspired by her strength and the support and love from her family. I was honored that she would ask me to help her. I'm not sure exactly how she found me, but I believe things happen for a reason and her request came at the perfect time.
I'm thankful for so many things, thousands of things!! But I'm going to focus on one...this year I turned 40. Turning 40 was something I was looking forward to. I know most people meet 40 with dread and thoughts of mortality. I felt like turning 40 was a new start. I'm thankful that I got to turn 40, I've lost many friends that never got the opportunity. I'm thankful that my birthday is in January so I got to start the new year with a celebration of me. I'm thankful for the awesome 40th birthday party my wonderful sister organized. I'm thankful to all my amazing friends that attended and contributed to my 40th birthday party. I'm thankful for the many vacations I was able to take this year. I'm thankful for my independence which allowed me to pack up my 10 year old and two dogs and take a road trip around Lake Superior. I'm thankful to have had my dear dog Gunnar for 13 (almost 14) wonderful years. I'm thankful that Heather found me at the time she did.
I hope you will take some time to reflect on your year and the things you are thankful for. I also hope you will read Heather's story and help spread her word.
I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Jennifer
