Thankfulness – Day Twenty Seven

Today has been a good day and a not so good day all rolled into one.

The not so good part? One friend (Janine) who has just been through her second chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer lost her dad this morning to lung cancer.

Another not so good part? Our young friend, Hannah, is in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia again for another infection. You know, it’s bad enough that a young woman has to go through chemotherapy and endure baldness and fatigue and all the crud that comes with it when she should be enjoying her freshman year of college and going out with her friends and dating her boyfriend and all that stuff. But to end up in the hospital because her immune system has taken such a beating from the steroids, turning what wouldn’t have normally been noticed into a raging and stubborn infection is just wrong. I remember how every set back, no matter how big or small, left me feeling discouraged and depressed. It must be even more frustrating for a 19-year-old.

So what am I thankful for?

I’m thankful that Janine got to spend some time with her father before he passed. I’m thankful that Janine has a peace about where her father is. I’m thankful that Janine has a faith that has not been shaken through her father’s very quick illness or through her own diagnosis and treatment. I’m thankful I get the privilege of knowing Janine.

I’m thankful that Hannah got to share our early Thanksgiving with us on Monday. I’m thankful that, even though things are a bit rough right now, Hannah is kicking cancer’s butt. I’m thankful Hannah has two parents who love her and encourage her and are there for her all the time. I’m thankful Hannah has so many people who love her and are praying for her. I’m thankful Hannah has access to one of the best children’s/ cancer facilities in the nation. And I’m just plain thankful for Hannah.