A Time Of Thanks

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches (amazing it's that time of year already), I was preparing my "grace." I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Alison's so much better than she was last year, when she was bed-ridden with pain and wheelchaired to our family's dinner. She's pain-free, she remembers things now that she's not so medicated, she's healthier because of our eating-habit changes, etc. I'm healthier too.
I'm also thankful for the lessons that her illness have taught me. It took me awhile to formulate that last sentence in my mind. I kept wanting to say that I am thankful she was diagnosed with cancer, then knowing that was the opposite of the truth. Well, glad she was diagnosed and the treatment is keeping her health at such a better level. But not glad she has it. The right sentence is that I'm glad I learned the lessons that her cancer has taught me and the effects her cancer has had on our family and friends.
Our friends have banded together on our behalf - what an amazing feeling.
Our families have become closer - not only within mine or hers, but together.
The lessons I've learned are several. I've learned a new brilliance to each day, each time we're given, even if it's spent sleeping next to each other. I've learned that others have been here before, and that others are going through this now, and need support too. I've learned that each person's life is unpredictable, and that at some point or at several - what seems like devastating turns ensue. I've learned compassion. I've learned about loving someone better. Letting yourself forget about most of the other things, which is a process approximating cleaning your windshield. All other things but Alison are squashed bugs.
I've learned the value of laughing.
I've realized my own mortality - and made long strides towards accepting my own fate.
Most of all I've learned that no matter what, we'll get through and be better in the end for it, and that we should be thankful for everything. No, we end up thankful for everything. Because everything that happens shows us who we are, develops us, and in my experience - makes me feel lucky.
Happy Thanksgiving.