Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, I must admit, found me with many different thoughts than I've had in years past. It's been quite a year already, yet it seems we're just beginning. But I find that I'm still grateful, even more so probably. Interesting how adversity helps you to recognize your blessings.

I'm grateful more than ever for family - Jake and the kids, and the wonderful extended family I have. I'm grateful for parents who have taught our family so well that when adversity hits we pull together and keep moving forward. I'm grateful for the gospel plan. Remembering God's plan and His love is what gets me through the moments that otherwise would be impossible. I'm grateful for memories, both past and future. I know future memories doesn't make sense, but I'm grateful for the memories that I know we'll be making and for the chance I'll have to look back on those in the future.

This year I'm also especially thankful for the power of fasting and prayer. Thanks to so many of you who fasted this past Sunday for my mom. It meant a lot to me and my entire family. Many of you who fasted barely know my mom, but were still willing to join in. Thank you so much. That means a lot.

And finally, an update. Since so many of you have been so helpful and supportive I feel like I should let you know a bit more of what's happening. My mom is officially diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer that has metastasized to her liver. They are going to do at least two rounds of chemo to hopefully help decrease the stomach pain. My mom finished the first one last week and she was a trooper. I think she's made it through the worst of it this round, and I know she'll continue to do well, thanks in large part to everyone's prayers.

So we continue to climb our mountain. We learn and grow every step of the way and appreciate all of the helping hands pushing and pulling us to the top. Together we'll make it!