The meaning of Thanksgiving 2009

This year Thanksgiving truely was a celebration of being thankful for the things closest to my heart - my family, specifically my mom. As most of you know by now, my mom was admitted into the hospital via the emergency room the Thursday night before Thanksgiving. She had gone in for routine blood work for an upcoming eye surgery and she ended up being diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney failure w/ a 5% kidney function. For those of you who know my mom's medical history, she has had her share of issues, but this time was different because we came close to losing her. She has started dialysis and is learning how to cope with her kidney loss. Since I always try and look for the positive in any situation, it naturally lead me to think about what I was THANKful for.

I am THANK ful that she decided to have cataract surgery when she did.

I am THANKful that we now have an understanding of what was making her feel bad for the last few years.

I am THANKful that Matt works for Southwest and Natalie and I were able to fly into New Orleans the very next morning.

I am THANKful to have wonderful family that will stop what they are doing to help out.

I am THANKful that I have a sweet little daughter that knows how to roll with the punches and gives me hugs when I need them the most.

I am THANKful that Matt loves us so much that he drove thru back pain and sleep to be with us.

I am THANKful that God has given my more time with my mom.

On a lighter note, Natalie and I got to spend an entire week together with Grammy which is always great. We also got to visit with alot of family (Uncle Aaron, Aunt Ginger & their cats, Uncle Roger, Aunt Peggy, Valerie and Hannah, and daddy). We also got to spend time with our church family in Houma and talked with a lot of relatives over the phone.

We made a special Thanksgiving meal with all types of foods my mom could eat (no salt added - just Mrs.Dash) Here was our menu:

turkey & dressing

sweet potato casserole (cooked special to remove potassium)

steamed squash

corn casserole

cranberry jello

rolls

bread pudding w/ rum sauce