Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving


Surviving a long difficult winter, the Pilgrims - what was left of them anyway - had a feast. 101 men, women and children had arrived to the New World in December, during a winter so harsh that it had killed fully half of them  - only 53 remained.   Despite their grief, in the spring, those who had lost children or parents still planted crops with hopes for their future.  They got advice from Native Americans, who showed them how to use fish as fertilizer.  And, when harvest season came around, they did what Americans do so well, and decided to have a feast. 90 Wampanoag Indians came, bringing deer, fish and other goodies, and the Pilgrims harvested their crops, and together they ate and sang and joined together in celebration of life.  And, I like to think somebody dredged up a pie somewhere.

Or two.

They didn't sit around wailing for all they had lost, complaining about the hardships they had endured.  They took time to gave thanks for what they had and planned to better in the future.  This Thanksgiving holiday, declared by none other than Abraham Lincoln in the middle of the Civil War, is about being grateful in spite of adversity, enjoying and sharing your bounty with the friends who share life with you, and the human ability to look ahead to what is better.

In a way, Thanksgiving is a holiday tailor-made for the cancer patient.  The year was full of struggles and hard times, and not just for me.  Many of us can no longer do the things we used to find easy.  Some have already suffered losses, and some wonder if this is their last Thanksgiving.  Others have completed treatment but now fear cancer will rear its ugly head sometime on the road ahead.   But, here we all are, on a day dedicated to Thanksgiving.  We can take a step back and remind ourselves of all we have still, while enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends and with hope bright for the future, however long that may be.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody.  Save me a piece of pie.

18 comments:

  1. Great post! From one BC "person" to another, wishing you many more. :-)
    Debbie
    Www.debsbreastcancerjourney.blogspot.com

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  2. I never really thought about it that way before, but you're right, Thanksgiving is almost tailor-made for the cancer patient. Despite our struggles, we keep on looking forward, or at least trying to. We reflect and feel gratitude for all we do have and can still do. Thanks for the lovely post, Ann. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. Nice post, Ann. Coming from Australia I never really knew the background to the thanksgiving holiday but knew I liked the sentiment of being thankful. Stage IV breast cancer has a way of connecting people through the internet from all round the world in their thirst for knowledge. I've recently had progression to my liver while on Abraxane but was reading your blog long before that. I love the way you write and am thankful for someone else who shares my coping mechanism of humour! Happy thanksgiving to you!
    Karen from Australia

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  4. Beautiful post, Ann. It's so important to cherish each and every moment, and especially every holiday, with our friends and loved ones. May you have a very blessed Thanksgiving with your family!

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  5. Thanks giving is one of my favorite day in the whole year. It is a day to thank and show respect to the people who had helped us.
    Thanks for reminding that. :)
    Keep posting.

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  6. Ann ... what's going on with you? Someone on BCO posted you just got home from the hospital. WTF??? Bec

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  7. Ann...please get better...please fight like hell to get better! I just read your latest twitter post..Ann I know that even in your sleep you are a fighter!

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  8. We are all worrying about you - love from BCO

    SusieQ

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  9. Ann, now that I've read your tweets I know what's going on. Come on, Wonder Woman ... you can fight your way out of this one!! You have to! Love to you!! Bec

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  10. Ann
    I am one of your many silent fans. I am sending all the hope , strength and courage you have given me and my family back to you. Prayers and healing thoughts are also making their way to you.

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  11. just caught up, Ann; thought the silence was you getting much needed rest. I am sending heartfelt positive energy and prayers to you and your family tonight, and I'll be watching your progress more closely. I hope the road smooths out for you ASAP!!!!!

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  12. Ann ... darn woman, how can I stalk you if you don't respond to any tweets, posts here, or emails. ;-) Come on woman! Kick some ass!!!!

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  13. Just came across your blog - the title is hilarious. I'm an OC survivor myself. Check out my site if you get a sec!
    www.megansilianoff.blogspot.com

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  14. Ann,
    Good thoughts,positive vibes and hugs coming your way- we are all worried about you, I hope you are feeling better.
    Take care,
    Jill

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  15. Missed you on BCO and now am really worried about you! Hang in there, Ann!

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  16. Thanks giving is one beautiful day in a year. I love the day.
    Thanks to you for reminding that. :)
    Keep posting.

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