Giving Thanks Through Tragedy

Although 2009 brought one of the most tragic events of my life so far, there are many things that make me thankful. The first five months of 2009 brought joy to my life. I found out that I was pregnant only two weeks after starting massage school. I enjoyed the growing and learning process of being pregnant. Unfortunately when I was five months pregnant, I spent a week in the hospital after experiencing preterm contractions. My water officially broke after almost a week in the hospital and I had to deliver my preterm baby boy. Because he was so premature, his lungs were not fully developed and he only lived about two minutes after delivery. Without the love and support of my boyfriend, friends, and family, it would have been much more difficult to get back on my feet.

It may seem clique, or just be another story about being thankful for family and friends, but this is real life, with no strings attached. People experience love, sorrow, happiness, pain, and so many emotions every day. After the floods of emotions have passed, we realize who was there when things were tough.

My boyfriend, friends, and family were there for me every step of the way from the very beginning. Without their endless love and support through both the joy and sorrow, there would not have been anyone to catch me when I fell, or anyone to stabilize me when I stood up. I am so fortunate and grateful to have a web of wonderful family and friends who stand by me through thick and thin.

Instead of saying "suck it up" or "it's all for the better," my family opened their arms and their hearts to me. They let me cry on their shoulders and let me know it was ok to be in pain. They knew it would take time and offered me that time. My friends both near and far let me know that I was in their thoughts in my time of need. I am so thankful for everyone in my life that helped me through.

Words alone cannot express my feelings of gratitude, and even as I write these words, the tears fill my eyes. I would not be as strong or independent without the encouragement that I receive on a daily basis, and no amount of thankfulness could equal the love and support I am lucky enough to have.