Family & Friends....by Deb

This blog is to Honor & Thank my family, without them I believe my health battles would not have been worth fighting, they gave inspiration to keep going when I was too weak to function without their assistance.
Jerry, my beloved cowboy, with such gentleness. For years you watched me change from your energetic wife to a confused, withdrawn woman with failing health. I would not attempt to count the miles you rolled me in a wheelchair, took me shopping, cooked and cleaned. Not once did you ever utter an unkind word. There were times you had to dress me and assist me with daily living tasks. Not once did you show any sign of ever giving up on me, always encouraging, loving and keeping my spirits up. Those years were rough for you and I can never repay you for your strength, love and care or the hours you spent by my side ready to do anything I ask of you. I will always love you and cherish you, you are my hero.
My Sons, Clay & Justin..you each played a very different role.
Clay my eldest son, though you were far away across the country, you were always with me in spirit. The words of comfort you gave me during our long talks in the wee hours of night while everyone else was fast asleep. Those words your compassion & Prayers helped me carry on. You listened when I babbled on with random thoughts, how patient you were for one so young. The thought of seeing you again at Christmas gave me courage to face what ever necessary to get well and be home.
My youngest son Justin, Bless you, being closer you were there to relieve your Daddy to run home and take care of things. You sat with me, fed me, helped me attempt to find a comfortable position, only to be right back up in five minutes to try again. The rough personal time you were having at that time also in many ways let me know there was no way I could give up and leave this child behind to find happiness. Thankfully we both made it past our struggles, and you did find happiness. My transplant allowed me to be at your wedding healthy and I enjoyed every moment of it. We danced.
To my Daughter in law Alicia, Thank you for becoming a part of our family, I look forward to many years of our friendship. When we talked while I was in the hospital I prayed to someday be able to call you my daughter. You were so sweet, it was good to know your were a part of my son's life.
My Dear Sweet Mom in law, once again you came to my aid, arriving just before Christmas with Clay who had flown into Nashville to drive over with you. Your calls during my hospital stay were always an encouraging joy for me. Conveying all the family's well wishes to me daily meant so much to me.Then your extended stay when I got home, it was so good to have you with us during that time.
My own Mom, departed 11/6/06 almost a year after my transplant, but we talked daily. She had her own battles to fight with breast cancer. But seldom let me know how bad she was instead she was always ready with a joke or laugh. Right down to as silly of pranks as she could play over the phone. She kept me laughing.
My Long time friend Linda, your cards and calls were frequent and most cards were funny to keep me smiling. Calls were somewhere along the line of a Get Well drill sergeant with a under tone of love and caring. You freshened up our home, cooked our supper the day I came home, we hugged & cried when I arrived and you quickly left to avoid exposing me to any unnecessary germs.
The rest of my friends Off & Online and family, your cards, calls, Prayers, flowers and genuine show of caring will never be forgotten. Each of You are the true meaning of what I have to be Thankful on Thanksgiving.You are all loved and admired by me in your own unique way.
Love, Your Wife, Mom & Friend, Deb