Thoughts on Gratitude

As many of you know the world as we knew it was permanently changed 1 year ago on Nov 14. As I have reflected on the events of the last year I wanted to share some things for witch I am grateful. I as shared with you last year It is the little things that make the most difference and are the things which help the most. So here is my list of the top ten things in no particular order.

1-Dinners delivered on Wednesday every week for months (my choice of only once a week). This was most memorable for me because I was able to meet some truly amazing people whom i did not know personally before. And also the food was awesome.

2-Snow removal. I had purchased a big snow blower 2 years ago and consider it a toy, but it is kind of hard to use it when i was in SLC. It was nice to know things were taken care of in my absence.

3-Vehicle loan. In January for some reason Kristi got back to Logan early and I was late leaving, so she insisted I take her car for the weekend. She drove my car to work on Monday and a she lost steering due to a broken ball joint. What would the outcome had been had I had the car? lets just say I don't think it would have been good. Anyway some awesome neighbors offered (no demanded) we use a car that just happened to be sitting around (a 2009 Volvo SUV that they had for sale) so Kristi would have safe transportation while my car was repaired.

4-Housing in SLC. while housing at the Ronald McDonald house was nice, it just wasn't a place to call home for several months in anticipation for the upcoming transplant. We finally had a private place of our own with a kitchen that was not shared. This was due to the generosity of a local businessman.

5-Name kept on prayer roll of the temple. We had someone make calls to all (yes all) of the temples in the US. How is that for prayers on our behalf?

6-Landscaping. I came home one day in early may and my neighbor informed me that her family would be they would be planting flowers in front of the house and hoped it was OK. The flowers looked wonderful and everyday when i came home i was reminded of the thoughtfulness of this family.

7-The yard was mowed on a regular basis until June. More amazing neighbors

8-How are you doing. When I would see friends and acquaintances outside of my home, this is the question asked. Except they waited for an answer, because they wanted to know. again it was during these times I was able to meet and get to know those around me better.

9-Turkey door ditching. Last December while cleaning and sanitizing the house in preparation for Tanners 1st homecoming and b-day i was taking out the garbage and interrupted the door drop, needless to say I caught the person red handed and red faced. But the problem is I was just as surprised because this was just the beginning of the long list of acts of service and kindness shown to us and i had not yet began to comprehend it in the least.

10-Professional services. I was on the receiving end of numerous "NO CHARGES FOR SERVICES RENDERED TODAY". These included car repairs, dental work, and veterinary care. I was told by President Lynn Hobbs that "There can be no service if there are no people to accept the act of service". Trust me is can be difficult to accept things that we are capable of doing but who am I to rob others of blessing of giving service.

11- Meeting other cancer families. In the beginning you feel all alone and no one understands what you are going though. I heard the comment "Is this any different than 2 years ago?" The only ones who truly understand what it is like to go though cancer is some one who has been there before.

12- Safe travel. Kristi and I traveled back and forth from SLC more that 55 times from November till May. Conditions ranged from Rain to Snow to Ice and Fog. But we always arrived safely and on time.


As you can see this list goes on and on. What I am trying to say is even though we have had an extremely difficult year and the emotions are still there. Tears still flow almost on a daily basis, there are so many things to be grateful for. As I heard in church today we choose to be grateful or not.

As I have reflected on what to share in this post the scripture from D and C 78:17-19

17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings there of are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.


While I am still looking for the answer as to why my family endured this trial, I can see the hand of the lord in taking care of me during this difficult time.

I follow other cancer kids though blogs and facebook-I know firsthand of the pain, complications and heartache the kids and families endure. I pray for them and ask you to do the same. I hope you have all had a wonderful thanksgiving holiday and hope you took time to reflect and share the gratitude you have for the blessings in your life

Forever Strong
Robert