October 13, 2019 - Hearts Filled With Gratitude

You never know when it is coming. It is that raw emotion of a heart filled with gratitude by an unexpected or unknown act. You are so humbled that you fall to your knees. Yesterday, I wept. It was not tears of sadness or hopelessness, but tears of gratitude and joy.

Our family honored me in a way that can't be repaid. It was a simple act of giving back, but they did it selflessly. Jamie and I did not even know, until after the fact.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you are not aware, just open your eyes, you will see Pink everywhere. It's a glorious time where so many people and organizations come together to highlight this insidious disease. Our family in New York organized a team for LINKS Pink Walk in Jamestown, NY.

"The LINKS Charity and UPMC Chautauqua are partnering with the Northwest Arena in a grassroots effort to encourage our community to embrace the fight against breast cancer, pay tribute to those who are battling breast cancer, and to promote good breast health throughout the month of October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "

Our family organized a team for us. Their t-shirts said it all, "In this family, no one fights alone". They walked for Renee. It is so humbling to write those words. To be on the receiving end of that kind of support and love is hard to put into words. To say that I am humbled and filled with gratitude is only the beginning of the story. Thank you for giving your time and talents to this event. Thank you for walking for the Krankings. I love you all.

When Jamie and I heard the news yesterday afternoon, it could not have come at a better time. This week (week 3 of the Red Devil chemo) has been extremely difficult for us. I know I mentioned it in an earlier post, but the effects of this chemo cocktail is cumulative. It truly is. This has been the worst week yet. We have managed the nausea with meds, but it took a lot more managing. I have slept more, eaten less, and overall felt crappy all week. Usually I see the symptoms lessening by Friday of chemo week, but that did not happen this week. As I sit here on Sunday, I am finally feeling the nausea dissipate, slightly. Jamie has been so nurturing and kind during this past week. He sees me suffering and he wants to take it away, knowing he can't, but he always provides me as much comfort as possible.

As I reflect this Sunday, I am hopeful for a good week ahead. We have a lot to look forward to. Mason is out of school on holiday tomorrow. I am looking forward spending the day with him without being too sick. We have a dear friend visiting later in the week for a short but meaningful visit. I should be at my best when she is here. And last, but certainly not least, we are happy that Rick and Jackie are coming back Saturday night. They will see me at my best (Sunday) before they see me at my worst again. They will be on Mason duty when we head back to Atlanta for Round 4. We are so thankful when they are here.

Even though this is a rocky part of 2019, Jamie and I are so blessed to have so many family and friends who love and care about us. Please know that every comment, "heart", email, text, and or card sent is received as a beacon of love and encouragement. We are reminded daily of the goodness in this world. We cherish you all.

Until next time...