Thankfulness on Thanksgiving

This is Thanksgiving week and I have so many things to be thankful for. This year has been a complete change from previous holidays we have had since my husband was injured. Last year was hell, Bryan’s PTSD was untreated, he was in so much pain, and I couldn’t help him no matter how hard I tried. This year is much different. He said to me yesterday that he is so excited for Christmas. Christmas is his favorite holiday and last year he didn’t even care. He didn’t want to swap gifts or be around family. This year is so different. My heart leapt for joy just hearing him say, “I can’t wait for you to open my present.” He has always gotten so excited to give others their gifts, not to open his own. That is what the holidays are all about. I’ve gotten him something pretty special too but he has to wait and see.

I am thankful that I met my husband eight years ago. I am thankful that he survived three deployments and still says he would do it all over again despite being hurt. I am thankful for the men that answered the call to give more blood to Bryan because they ran out and he needed it. I am thankful that I was able to be by his side through his most horrible days. I am thankful that we get to spend the holidays around our family and not at the hospital. I am thankful that we are able to work and have insurance. I am thankful that we can put food on the table. I am thankful that Bryan is able to continue HBOT for his brain injury. The list could go on and on. We are finally happy, that is the best thing to be thankful for.

With Bryan’s injuries we have been blessed tenfold because of the people we have met. We have met complete strangers who have become part of our family. They love us, check in on us, and we would have never met if he wasn’t hurt. I have met some of the strongest men and women I know and I am thankful to call them our friends. We have met some of the most patriotic and caring Americans. We have friends who understand what we are going through. Life doesn’t get any better than that. We hope that one day we can pay it all forward and give back to those that have given so graciously to us. Happy Thanksgiving!