Grateful…

Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season is always an emotional time for me. Who am I kidding…most times are emotional times for me. This year though, I’m remarkably thankful for so many things…

• Thankful for my health and for this body that has endured so much abuse and neglect and continues to be resilient and strong.

• Thankful for my amazing nurses who not only tended to me physically, but were incredibly kind and provided tremendous emotional support.

• Thankful for my parents and brother. I don’t deserve these three incredibly loving and selfless humans in my life, but they are a blessing and proof of God’s love.

• Thankful for my bestie who can expertly talk me off a ledge, make me giggle like a 12 year old, and offer up the absolute perfect words of encouragement and support.

• Thankful for my friends who have loved and supported me through the roller coaster of emotions brought about by surgery and recovery.

• Thankful for a flexible job and an amazing boss who truly cares about me and prioritizes my health and personal needs.

• Thankful for the Lipedema community I’ve found across social media platforms. The shared stories and experiences have made this journey feel a lot less lonely and intimidating.

• Thankful to have the resources needed to have these life-changing surgeries and to regain mobility and strength. There are so many women who do not have the time, money, flexibility, or support network needed to receive the care they desperately need. This weighs heavy on my mind and heart, and I fervently hope we will get to a point where these procedures aren’t out of reach for most of the people who need them the most.