Thanksgiving

I just can't believe its already that time of year again. Turkey, pumpkin pie, family togetherness, a time of Gratitude and love. I love it all! It seems like yesterday it was last Thanksgiving. I just can't believe at how fast time has flown by. This month really has flown by, and actually, I am very grateful for that, but even though I am grateful at how fast it is going, I am still making it a point to be grateful for each day.

This week, was my first week on Chemo. The docs have me on 4 different types, (I can barely pronounce them). The entire session itself takes about 3 to 4 hours each time, overall I handled it well. I am very grateful for that because really the worst symptoms I feel are just tiredness, sore bones and mouth pain. But, even though at first I complained about that, I realized that it could be worse, all the "bad side effects" I haven't felt yet, and typically those happen right after you get chemo.

I am still adjusting to everything, the medicine, side effects, having a port in my chest (basically, its a device that it is implanted in the chest and has a tube that connects to the jugular vein so the chemotherapy can be administed) Its supposedly much better than getting an IV through your arms. I am not going to lie, I think mentally, it has been a little rough only because I am still adapting to the new "temporary" me, my body doesn't go as fast as it did before, and I do get so exhausted so much faster. My friends and I joke that I am 22 going on 92. :) I had always heard that from other people at how different I would feel, but once you experience it, its just crazy. There have been a few nights where I have woken up in the middle of the night crying because my body is so different now, or the pain is much worse (have you ever noticed how whenever you are sick or injured, things always feel worse at night?) but then once I have that brief moment, I just tell myself that this it temporary, nothing in life is permanent, and I think of how our Savior went through so much pain and suffering in his life and how Joseph Smith went through so much pain and suffering as well, or just all the people who have fought for righteous things, all the pain and suffering they have endured and then I just realize at how truly blessed I am, how truly blessed we all are to be able to be on this earth to experience mortality and to just live. Despite this, I do feel grateful and blessed, because like I said, I could be feeling much, much worse than I am, ( I could be bed ridden) I have been able to still enjoy the company of my friends and family, and be able to work (not as long as I was before, but I am so grateful to be there .. it makes me so happy) My friend Katie and I talk about how they length of my chemo treatments are the length of the rest of her pregnancy, she is so sweet and funny, she was saying how "You know Lauren, for the next 3 months, you are fighting for your life, and my little girl is fighting to come into this world.. you are both fighthers" (it was said something to that extent,but it made me smile.. Katie and Daniel have been amazing friends and a source of strenghth to me! I love you guys and can't wait to meet Kaylee! I told Katie that her little baby will always have a place in my heart because we both "survived" at the same time.. even though her baby is completely healthy, but its still a fight for an infant to come into the world!) Even though my life is completely different from a year ago, even a week ago, I still can't really complain, I am surrounded by all you reading this blog, you have all touched my life in many ways and for that I am so grateful!

So, this week us Rio Girls celebrated Sonia's Birthday! It was a surprise party.. pretty sure she was surprised.. haha we love you girl! And, I was able to see some of my old friends( Savannah, Jade, Amber, Rocky, Cambria) and favorite people at my BEAUTIFUL "honorary sister" Whitney's baby Shower!( I can't wait to meet little Jet! he is going to be such a stud with his litte, baby converse shoes and guitar!) I have really been able to take the time to be with some amazing friends who keep me positive and strong everyday, Kelly, Morgan N and Karen and of course my Rio Family and my own family!) -I'm done with my shout outs :)

wait.. I have one more.. to my dear friends AMAMDA and JANE! you girls ALWAYS know how to lift my spirits.. haha we laugh way too much.. I love you all!!

You know, I just have so much admiration and respect for every single person whom I know, and don't know, who are facing any form of health problem, physical limitation, and sickness. I have always respected them, but now that I have a glimpse of how they are feeling, have felt, or even will feel, (physically, emotionall, and mentally) it gives me a more profound love and respect for them. I just want to give them all a hug and tell them how proud I am of them and how amazing they are, and that everything is going to be okay. I also know that I am blessed because the type of cancer I have is very curable, my heart breaks when I talk to people whom have cancers and ailments that take much longer to get through than mine, or that feel worse off than I have. I just wish there was a way that they didn't have to deal with that. I am so happy when I see them out celebrating life with their friends and loved ones.

As this amazing holiday season approaches, I just want everyone to know how amazing life is and how amazing you are. Be thankful for all your blessings, whenever life gets you down, just take a step back and count all the postive things you have, all your blessings.. I love this hymn that we sing at church sometimes.. it's called "Count Your Blessings"

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]



So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.



Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.



So, this week and for the rest of the year.. count YOUR blessings, and tell the ones you love that you love them!

So, I love you guys!