It’s a warm and cozy morning inside our home as we look out on all of the activity on the lake. Snow flurries and a thin sheet of ice grace the edges of the lake as ducks, geese and several swans still brave the open water. Even though the skies are gray, there is still such beauty in every day. It is certainly a wonderful Thanksgiving morning.

Last week, Dave’s mom had a back fusion at St. Luke Hospital in Maumee, Ohio, to alleviate pain that had radiated down her left side and all the way to her toes. This has plagued her for over a year, and the surgery could no longer be avoided. As I sat in recovery waiting for her to be taken to her room, I befriended a kind woman. Margaret Ann was patiently waiting for her husband to come out of surgery. We tend to share stories with those who are going through similar situations. It seems to be a form of therapy and support as we naturally console people in need. Margaret Ann told me about numerous surgeries she had experienced in the last few years, and now she was enduring a complicated back surgery with her husband. With very little support from those around her, she remarked how sad it made her that she is always helping others, but no one has stepped up to help her.

I then shared Dave’s challenges with his bone marrow transplant, along with Barb, who will struggle through a grueling rehab. I also added that we are responsible for caring for Grandpa Yoas, who is almost 105. As one would think, Margaret Ann immediately began to console me, and her earnest sympathy felt like we had been friends for years. However, I never felt like my plight was far worse than hers, as she believed it was.  Unlike Maragret Ann, we have had an abundance of support, thousands praying for us and magical blessing from above. Despite the battles, we have felt blessed by so many.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks on this Thanksgiving Day. We are fortunate to have so many family, friends and acquaintances who have supported us in so many ways. Additionally, please pray for those who are less fortunate than all of us.

Just like the wildlife has braved the frigid open water on Hiland Lake, we have been able to confidently brave our open water, too. Happy Thanksgiving. It truly is a special day.