Thanksgiving marks the beginning of my thinking and remembering season, for it is at this time of year - all they way through January that Chloe and her family are on my mind in so many ways. From laughing when I see my dog jump through four feet of snow and wondering if Chloe would do the same, to not even really wanting any presents at Christmas since she's given me all I need....the list goes on. I've been a little quite on the blog but am inspired because of this season and because of them, as they have given me a gift to be forever thankful for. It's allowed me to see other things in a new light with lots of sparkle and I'd have to say, has made me thankful for things others take for granted. Just yesterday I saw a lady block an entire intersection with her car to let in a mom van, filled with kids. Instead of honking (I did think about it), I figured that it was part of the season. Everyone out and about in a jolly mood. And me in an even jollier mood.
And there are the easy things, like being thankful for Dave who is the highlight of my day, everyday - and for my family who has been by my side and made all of my struggles seem like a cake walk. I had the joy of celebrating my Papa's 95th birthday with him just a few weeks ago. I have my health and so does he, along with many friends and a large extended family who attended the celebration. My friend who has been waiting for a transplant for over one year, got his new heart and called me just before the surgery to tell me the news. I was so touched. I also re-registered for the Hustle up the Hancock (Whoop Whoop) and feel blessed to be able to have a heart, healthy enough to accomplish this athletic feat. I'm honored to know Steve and to be a part of his team, to know Kari's friends and to get a sense of what her life with them must have been like. I'm thankful when I hear things about families who donate, like just this past week when a professional boxer from Chicago saved his cousin and so many others with his donation. I'm happy with others notice how important these donors truly are.
This Thanksgiving, in fact, Steve and Kari's Klimbers will be featured in a Sun Times article -- so check back for more details. A reporter contacted Steve and other team members, including myself, to find out what this cause is all about. And anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that we have more to say on the topic than can be said in just one article, but we hope to be another voice out there promoting not us, but our donors. We climb for them, we write here for them, we are thankful because of them. I hope you are too. If not, remember to be thankful for something tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving.
