thankful to transition into the real 'seasons of thankfulness"!

The weeks have been full of things to be thankful for, to be sure. From book signings, to meeting new people and incredible notes from people I will probably never meet this side of Heaven, to support groups, and being a humbling and honoring part in the Celebration of Life of Cody Dennis, a 14 year old buddy from Houston Middle school who lost his battle with osteosarcoma.
It hardly seems believeable that it was 2 years ago right now that I was diagnosed with my 11th and current battle with the ugly ogre called cancer. It is memories like this that fuels the fire as I am doing fairly well to fight even harder – in Cody’s memory, in Leon and Jeff’s honor, in Tish, Marilyn and Susie honor –  and I could go on and on. 
I’m transitioning this year to ‘ad hoc’ ambassador/mentor volunteer with Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society as I celebrate 40 years of my involvement with this amazing non-profit, volunteer driven organization. I will talk, encourage, help to raise funds, bring hope and work until I can take my last breath to do all I can do to fight cancer.
I am ever so thankful as we enter into this season of holidays – from Christmas to Hanukkah, to other faith’s celebrations. I am so blessed to have my family surrounding me. Jamie and her friend Jeff have brought so much joy and laughter – their smiles, their sincerity, (and OHHHH!!!!! Jamie’s Lemon and Chocolate topped cheesecake!) – Tim’s antics and computer guru help to his semi-techno-literate mom fill me to over-flowing……as does all that Mr Incredible, Bill, does. Yep! I’m stuffed!!
 It was so much fun watching Bill zip around the property today plowing snow on his 4 wheeler as the white stuff keeps coming down…….at least it’s practically shirt sleeve weather – it’s above minus 25! (Minus 5 at night is all!)   As I find the need to give up ‘some’ things that I am no longer physically able to do, I am working hard to focus on the things I CAN do…….so don’t get tired of my writing and speaking! And maybe even snowmachining!! (I promise – 2 out of 3 no-no’s from the ortho surgeon – can’t promise about the throttle though!)
I am humbled at the support I am receiving with the book – from local newspaper articles and articles when I have travelled,  radio interviews, emails, phone calls and comments left on the blog. From the start it’s been about bringing hope and encouragement “at the end of your hand’…..and we can ALL do this and get our country back to where it needs to be…..so let’s all look at the ‘end of our hand’ and see what we can do to each one, reach one, give a hand UP, let’s LOOK UP, and let’s never forget those all important words: Thank You.
PS: If you missed/ want to see newspaper articles, Goggle my name/Frontiersman Nov 17th; for Radio: www.joniandfriends.org – go to 5 min radio archives Nov 4th (Care Tuk) and Nov 7th (No Regrets).