Giving Thanks

Today is the day before Thanksgiving. So I decided to write my Thanksgiving entry today since I may not have the time tomorrow. Anyway I am going to dedicate this entry to everything I am thankful for. It may be hard to believe, but despite all the things Lyme has taken from me, it has given me some things too. Mainly it has opened my eyes to all I have to be thankful for. I am Thankful to have such a loving family. My family has been at my side since day one. They would comfort me when I cry, hold me when i sleep, clean up my vomit, spend hours at my side when im in the hospital, help me when I need something, and celebrate small achievements. Throughout my life I have always known my family was there for me, but getting sick showed me the vast extent my family supports me. My illness does not just affect me, it affects the entire family. I can't even count how many sacrifices they have made for me. A recent sacrifice that continues to amaze me is the one made by my little sister. For her 13th birthday she threw a huge birthday party. Instead of asking for presents though, she requested that guests make a donation to the Department of Lyme Disease research at The University of New Haven ( my university). The over 2k she raised will not only benefit me but the 1000s of other plagued by Lyme Disease. I am really thankful for her generosity. She is an amazing sister. My family are not the only people I am thankful for. I am also thankful for my friends. My friends are the best a person could ever ask for. I can always count on my friends. Living hours away from home means I especially need to depend on them. They make me laugh when I feel like crying. They encourage and motivate me. Taking pills that make me gag just by thinking about them needs as much motivation one can get. They help me with things that being in a wheelchair makes difficult. Like crossing parking lots or going up hill. They are there through thick and thin. If I need them I know I don't need to hesitate to ask. They too go to extremes to help me. I am thankful for my amazing doctor. I am thankful for everything I am fortunate enough to have. Food, a house, clothes, the ability to go to college, clean water, and the other things so many people take forgranted. Even though I am in an awful situation, I still have countless things to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to reflect upon what you have to be thankful for.