It is hard to believe the holiday season is underway! I know that for those who are coping with illness, it can be a particularly trying time. I remember many a Christmas when the simplest tasks became overwhelming projects. As a "shop til you drop" shopper, I was grateful to feel well enough to browse through a catalog and be able to pick up the phone to order gifts. There were times when I didn't know if I would have the energy to sit up long enough to watch our kids open their presents. And many a day when I would lay in bed wonder if I was ever going to enjoy the holiday season again. To those of you who may be wondering this very thing, I say: yes you can, and yes you will!

I never stopped searching for answers...and never gave up hope I would be well. And I am so thankful today that even though my journey was longer and more difficult than I ever could have imagined, God blessed me with the ability to go on, to keep believing I would find my way...and today I am not only able to enjoy the season, but I am living a richer, fuller, and better life than I ever imagined possible! Who is to say why life is oft filled with struggle and challenge...I don't have the answer to that question. I only know that "it is what it is" and if you have faith, and make the personal committment to do and be your best each day - no matter what the circumstances, you too will find your way!