Thankful


The view of the CN Tower from the hospital today.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, it has me thinking about what I am thankful for. Mom has always been a big fan of showing gratitude in the big and the small things of life (I remember this less fondly as a teenager), and as the years have gone by this is a habit that I have picked up on. 


When I was in high school, my mom and I read a chapter of the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp together every morning before I started my classes. Ann's book focuses on her finding joy in the little things of life, and writing them down to track all the gifts that she has been given from God.   It was a great experience and one that we both loved doing together. Each of us had a journal to track all our “gifts” - gifts from God that we are thankful for. 


After mom’s stroke in 2021, she experienced some times of frustration and doubt, which led me to pull out our journals again. Today, we are still filling them out, and I have an hourly reminder on my phone to “give thanks”. Sounds ambitious doesn’t it? It kind of is. I’ll be honest in saying I can't always think of something every hour, but it’s amazing how you begin to notice the little things you're thankful for when you're prompted to look for them hourly.  


So what are we thankful for today?

Dad: Good local healthcare

Mom: That chemo is done for this week. 

Alyssa: The way the cloudy rainy skies make the fall colours pop.


“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1


“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


Today Mom had her fifth treatment, which was uneventful other than the fact that there was a fairly long wait today before Mom was able to get her treatment. It went well, and Mom has been

home and resting for a little bit. Tonight we’re having a quiet evening watching the Jays game at home. There isn’t a lot to update today, which is something in and of itself to be thankful for! Mom says her goal is to keep this blog as boring as possible, and the rest of us family are very happy about that!


Prayer Requests:

  1. Mom’s low blood pressure continues to be an issue with it dipping too low. Please pray that this will stabilize.

  2. That God will bless the treatments so they may be successful.

  3. That Mom won’t feel too discouraged when experiencing moments of weakness and anxiety.

  4. That the side effects mom has been experiencing will be as minimal as possible

  5. Pray that she will be able to sleep well.

  6. That she will be able to share the gospel and encourage those around her who are also receiving treatment.  



Mom getting treatment today.

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