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My Grateful Journal

Lucia

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Lucia

Lynn at  The Vintage Nest  is having a  Give Thanks  party starting today!  I have so very much to be thankful for that I decided to join in.  I am so thankful for many things including my family,  health,  the love I receive and my blogger friends.  I could go on and on about all the blessings I have in my life but I decided instead to share something that has so much meaning to me and has helped me through some difficult times.

About thirteen years ago I lost my mother to cancer.  Two months later I had surgery and then again several months later I had a second surgery.  I was having a pity party for myself that affected my family, health and my state of mind.  I continued to dwell in this pity for months and then decided I had to let it go and concentrate on the many goods things in my life.

I started writing a Grateful Journal that was for my eyes only.  Sometimes I would write a single sentence and other days my thoughts would fill a page. It could be as simple as ” I am grateful that I am loved today” or ” I am grateful for my family and friends”.   As I filled these pages I truly began to feel grateful again and I started to become happier!

I would like to share a few very special entries with you.
July 3, 2009
I am grateful Steve’s surgery went well today. I was so scared I would lose him to this terrible disease.  I am grateful that we found Dr Bo and that he is one of the best in his field.  Dr. Bo said the cancer looks to be contained and he thought he got it all but time will tell. I am grateful for every single moment I have to spend with my amazing husband.
 
October 25, 2010
Another of Steve’s test came back negative for cancer and I am so very grateful.   It’s been over 15 months since the surgery and every test result has been excellent news.
November 18, 2010
Steve is a cancer survivor!  My heart is filled with gratefulness.
My hope is that you will insist your husband, significant other, brother, father or any other male in your life have a PSA blood test every single year after the age of forty. This simple blood test for prostrate cancer can save lives!
Just a reminder to enter my Giveaway for a  gorgeous vintage necklace from Providence Ltd Design.
Thank you Lynn for hosting  Give Thanks .
Lucia
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Lucia

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68 thoughts on “My Grateful Journal”

  1. Sherry, you certainly do have a lot to be thankful for. So nice of you to share this with us. My husband does have the test every year since cancer seems to run rampant in his family. His mother, two sisters and a brother have all been taken by cancer. My next door neighbor was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has had surgery and radiation treatments and doing fine. What a great post!

  2. Sherry this post went straight to my heart today. I am thankful that I came over and was able to read about your own thankfulness today. And I am thrilled that your husband is a survivor.
    Beautiful, beautiful vignettes.
    hugs

  3. Hi Sherry, I knew when we met that right of the bat we had so much in common but am realizing more and more how much. Yes, Bobby G. and I have been through the same thing as your Steve. It's so scary and he has done well too. Catching it early is a major key to beating it. And my wonderful daughter-in-law is still being tested every 3 months with positive results each time. Lots of people in blog land prayed for her that the surgery would get it all. I too, keep a gratitude journal but it has fallen by the wayside this past year. Thank you for the sweet reminder to start journaling in it again. I am so glad we met! See you Saturday morning. xoxo

  5. Thank you. Thank you SO much for sharing this post with your readers. What a great reminder to us all of how precious life is. We truly must find the good in all things and joy in the journey. Everything I have I should be most grateful for. And I am. ; D

    And your family is so blessed to have the both of you doing so well with your health. May it continue to be so.

  6. Hi Sherry! Thank you so much for sharing this with us and letting us get a little glimpse into your life. My father-in-law is now cancer free after battling Prostate cancer as well and we are so incredibly thankful for that! Thank you for being willing to open up and share some of your story so that others can be encouraged and motivated as well! 🙂
    Blessings to you,
    Vanessa

  8. Sherry,
    What a beautiful post. So glad all is well with your husband. Each day is truly a treasure for all of us. Lovely vignettes of your journal.
    Sherry

  9. Hi, Sherry. This is a beautiful post (and that is a beautiful journal). My father in law is now cancer free after fighting prostate cancer. My husband was brave enough to start his check ups early due to family history and they found over a dozen polyps on his first visit. After surgery and biopsy no cancer was detected. Thank God. He now has his PSA test every six months. We are so grateful. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am so glad that you have so much to be thankful for this year!

  10. Thank you for sharing from your heart and journal. I am so guilty of not always acknowledging all I should be thankful for….this is a great reminder that we should take nothing for granted. I'm going to get David to get that blood test.

    Hugs!
    Judy

  11. Hi Sherry! Yes, ma'am, you have lots to be thankful for as do I! God is so good to us and we're so blessed! I'm sure you sharing some of the entries from your journal just may help someone do the same thing. Each day is a gift from God.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  12. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights from your journal, Sherry. I think you may have inspired more than a few of us to take a look at our lives and realize that we do have a lot to be thankful for. 🙂
    ~ Sue

  13. Sherry, thank you for sharing this beautiful heartfelt post. I'm happy to hear that Steve is cancer free. I like the idea of a Grateful Journal. Each of us have much in life that we need to appreciate and be grateful for.

  14. Sherry, I think your journal was a wonderful way to get back on track of being thankful during such a difficult time in your life. I learned a long time ago we can not think a negative thought if we are thinking a posetive thought. Negativity can become an awful habit and yet posetive thinking is a wonderful way to live life. it is obvious you practice the posetive side of life. Life is full of gifts if we open our heart and eyes to them we will be changed! Kathysue

  18. Sherry-
    I used to journal every day…I've very often kicked myself for ever stopping…I knwo I need to start doing it again…your post has helped to remind me yet again of what a gift it can be!
    I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Tammy 🙂
    JUNK WILD

  19. Hi Sherry, I'm so glad you shared about your journal and those specific entries. Our mental and emotional outlook is so important in our lives. We all go thru trying times. Being grateful and optimistic is such a big part of winning the battle! Hugs, and blessings to you and your husband,
    Debra

  20. Sherry, right now I am very grateful that you shared your story with me. It inspires me to write a "grateful" journal, as well…and if that little book in the picture was your journal, I would be grateful to have such a lovely, feminine book.

    Your post reminded me a bit of what our pastor preached about in church last weekend. We will ALL face the end of our world at some point, and when we struggle with illness, tragedy, grief, this is a trial run or a practice, so to speak, for the end of our time. Well — I'm not sure I'm saying it quite right, but when we struggle, he wanted us to remember that Christ himself struggled before his time on earth was over. It will often strengthen our faith and is indeed a time where we can learn about ourselves and how to get through these tests with the help of our Savior.

    It sounds like your grateful journal was instrumental in assisting you through a personal tragedy, and one can often be blessed through our most difficult times. I hope this makes sense. It made a lot of sense when the Pastor said it.

    (((((((((hugs)))))))))))

  21. I LOVE the idea of a Grateful Journal! We all have so much to be grateful for every day, both small things and larger, more important stuff from time to time. Writing it down is a wonderful way to keep focused as life whizzes past. Thank you for sharing this with us. THIS is what Thanksgiving is all about!
    Connie

  22. Sherry, wonderful and thoughtful post. It really puts the things of life in perspective, doesn't it. There is a great article in Reader's Digest toward the end about a man who purposed to give out lots of "thank you"s to people. It can change our lives. Blessings to you. Linda

  23. This is such a wonderful post. I think you have reminded all of us to be grateful for the preciousness of our lives & families. I am so appreciative that you wrote this blog & that I decided to read it.
    CAS

  24. What a moving post of gratefulness, Sherry and what an important message you are sending to our men. I'm guilty of having some mighty fine pity parties, too. It's hard not to when health issues, finances, family matters…whatever….are bad. However, you are so right….taking the time to put our head in a positive place every day certainly helps to brighten our spirits and outlook.

    I'm so glad your husband is doing so well. What a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

    Dana

  25. It it will just a year ago in December that my husband was in for his six month PSA and other issue checkup when it was discovered he had kidney cancer, a mass nearly as large as the kidney itself. We prepared for the worse but I'm glad to report as with your Steve my husband is doing well today and we are grateful and looking forward to a holiday season this year filled with appreciation of each day.

    Your journal sounds like a wonderful healing process for you and your Steve. Your entries to meet represent a salve that healed a wound. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

  26. Sherry,

    Your vignettes are always breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your story and for encouraging us all to make sure the men in our lives take care of themselves.

    Deborah

  31. Sherry~ this post is so special. I am so glad you shared this! To remind us all to be grateful for all the wonderful things in our lives- sometimes we can get so caught up in the trivial- & happy to hear that your Steve is well. Thanks so much for sharing this at my party this week.

  32. Sherry,

    As always you make me dream every time I come here. I simply LOVE your blog. It's one of my favorites!

    Today I've posted about a $68 mil mansion that guess who might buy it? OPRAH WINFREY!!!! Go take a look and let me know what you think, ok?

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  33. Hi Sherry! Just had to come back by and say thank you so much for linking up this wonderful post at my party. With the coming Thanksgiving holiday it was so timely and perfect!
    Vanessa

  35. Hi Sherry,
    Wonderful post and I can relate to much of what you wrote. We have so much to be grateful for. Being a survivor is a BIG thing to be thankful for.
    God Bless you and your family.

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

    big hugs,
    Barb

  36. Sherry, I am so grateful that you have this to share. Thank you,for giving me this little glimpse into your heart in the middle of my day. Puts life in perspective, and makes us grateful. period. for all those we love. Happy Thanksgiving with your darling Steve. xo Lidy

  37. I love the idea of a grateful journal. I think we get wrapped up in ourselves and forget to thank God in the good times and the bad. Very hard during the bad. Thank you for sharing and I can't wait until Sunday to give my husband a big hug and kiss!! This post made me even more thankful for him!

  39. Hi Sherry, this is a "Beautiful Post"… I am also counting my blessings this year and I am adding you and yours to my daily prayers… I am beginning to take such joy in the little pleasures of life now… Hugs to you, Donna

  40. Sherry, you do have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing this, and making us all stop and think what we have to be grateful for as well. Life is precious.

  42. Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with these journal entries. No one knows what goes on behind the scenes in others lives, but the faith always shines thorough.
    Debbie

  43. i can not explain how much i was moved by your words…
    i am truly grateful that you decided to share your most precious thoughts…
    i wish you & your family many, many blessings…
    amy

  44. There's a verse that says, "In everything, give thanks, for this is God's will for yiu in Christ Jesus." look at what a difference giving thanks makes. Thank yiy fir sharing!

    Xo,
    Linsey

  45. Hello Sherry,
    Thanks for sharing with all of us and yes, you do have a lot to be thankful for…we all do! Happy to hear that Steve is cancer FREE:) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

  46. It's wonderful to know someone with such a thankful heart. We all have so many things to be thankful for. My prayer is that I would dwell on those. Have a wonderful weekend. Mona

  47. Thank you for coming over and introducing yourself!! I'm so happy to meet you and love this post on gratitude! The Attitude of Gratitude is the secret to happiness as you've shown us in your own life. Thank you for sharing your experience.
    I look forward to knowing more about you and your blog. Wishing you a beautiful weekend with your healthy and amazing husband!!
    Much love,
    Terri

  50. Sherry, this is a beautiful post. We went through cancer treatment with my son when he was 4 until he was 7, so I can relate to your journey. I'm so glad both of our stories have happy endings. I love your beautiful vignettes as well. I have to tell you that I get a chuckle out of your blog name every time I see it come up. There's no minimalists at my house either! LOL! Sometimes I think the Gustavian less is more is my way to go, but then I know I'd just end up with a houseful of Gustavian primitives…editing really isn't my strong suit when it comes to stuff although I do try once in a while! Oh well, worse things I guess. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    Judy

  51. Oh Sherry this is such a beautiful post! I have a gratitude journal too and it is amazing the mindset you take on when you count your blessings rather than dwell on how tough things can be. Kudos to you my friend! So happy everyone is in remission and positive horizons are the report! Beautiful pictures too. But everything you photograph always is so very beautiful!

    Big hugs xoxo
    Molly

  52. I am very touched by this post, Sherry. We have SO much to be grateful for. My wish is for everyone to see that even on those terrible days. So happy that your husband is a cancer survivor & yes, the psa test SAVES LIVES.

    Hugs to you,
    Jami

  53. Thanks so much for sharing those! Such a great idea. I have been doing this every day for November. I should continue because you are right, it makes a big difference in life to show our gratitude and remember all that we are blessed with. Thanks for entering my giveaway and putting it on you sidebar! Very nice of you.:) Warmest Wishes!

  54. Thank you for sharing these intimate thoughts with us Sherry. I too keep a gratitude journal and feel everyone should.

    You have so very much to be thankful for my friend, so happy all is good with your hubby's tests! Cancer is a scary thing and not many among us is unaffected by it, either personally or a family member. Much love to you and yours, may God continue to keep and protect you.

    LaurieAnna

  55. Bonjour Sherry,
    What a wonderful post – I am so happy that your husband is doing well – what a fantastic Thanksgiving you will have together! Thank you for the reminder to always be grateful for all the good things that I have in my life.
    i am glad you came by and followed along, as it gave me a chance to find you and your movely blog. I am a new follower and will definitely be back again soon!
    Wishing you a good week ahead,
    Mimi

  56. I am so thankful that your husband is cancer free. What a beautiful gift for this season of the "Greatest Gift". This post is Incredibaly touching, thanks for sharing your most intimate thoughts with us. I know many will be be blessed by this post. It is an inspiration in words and pictures. God Bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season. I will be joining your party on Dec. 15th. Hugs, Ginger

  57. How wonderful for you and your family! years ago Oprah did a few shows about gratitude journals, I started one and then like all of the journals I have had in the past, I stopped writing in it. You have inspired me to start a new one, as I have much to be thankful for and sometimes in my daily life I forget to say THANK YOU. Such simple words for such great joys given to me. Thank you Sherry for this reminder of how much I enjoyed that little journal, Theresa xoxo

  58. You do have so much to be thankful for!! So glad your husband is doing well and able to celebrate the holidays with you and your family. Nothing is more important!!

    I do love your vignettes and those buffets are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your gratitude with others! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Miss Bloomers

  62. How wonderful that you have taken the time to record your gratitude. We say 3 things we are grateful for each night after we read scriptures as a family but I think I want to start writing them down too. I love your pink journal too. I am so glad for your husband. Give him a hug from me! Happy Pink Saturday.

  64. Great share. I have been counting my blessings every day since we began the big move from Vermont to California. It has helped bunches.

    Happy Pink Saturday! from California at last.

  65. O, dear one, if we lived close, I'd come over, give you a big hug and then we could dance in circles of thankfulness. My husband, Mr. Sweet, is also a cancer survivor. In fact, he beat 4 (F.O.U.R.) life threatening cancers…and we are so thankful we don't know what to do.
    blessings, bj

  66. So thankful your hubby beat cancer! We lost my father in law two years ago and there's not a day goes by that my husband doesn't long to talk to him. Things like this really make you realize what's important in life. So happy for you!
    Your photos are beautiful.

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