14 years ago tonight my doctor called me and told me I had cancer. I sat in the dark, rocked my 18 month old son and cried, wondering if I would see another Thanksgiving with him beyond the one I was waking up to the next day. I cannot recall being Thankful for much that dinner..

But I remember sitting at the meal and celebrating it with friends who at the time did not know I was sick. If you would’ve told me I’d be here tonight, writing this while my 6 foot tall teenager was playing video games and ignoring me in his room...

...I would’ve taken that deal and asked for no more. Despite what I’ve been through since then—less than what many go through—I’ve been given much more. I don’t always appreciate it. My previous self would be pissed at me for how little I’ve learned about life since that night.

But I will try again this year. To sit at a Thanksgiving table tomorrow and instead of focusing on what worries this version of me...I will time travel back 14 years and listen to that guy when he rocked his boy and said: just give me time. Just give me time.
Xo my friends.