This last year has brought more ups and downs than I could even imagine. So much has happened that sometimes I have to stop and think about it all.

We got engaged and then Luke was diagnosed with leukemia.

I graduated and then Luke had to get a stem cell transplant.

We finally got to close the distance and move in together, but spent the first month sleeping apart while he was in the hospital.

We found out I can easily become a Canadian citizen, but the process is taking forever leaving me unemployed.

Luke is 99% donor, but he still has a long way to go to get back to a sense of normal.

This last year has brought so many highs and lows that people may wonder how it is possible to be thankful for anything with so much bad happening. That being said, I have truly never felt more thankful than I do this year. Even with all the negativity and unfortunate events going on, we have what is most important, each other. I couldn’t imagine going through this wild ride without Luke. He is a ball of goofy loving positivity. Even on hard days, the love we have for each other lifts us up and keeps us pushing on.

I rolled over this morning and was just blown away by how fortunate I am to wake up next to his beautiful face every morning. Our little family (Luke, Penny, and Myself) means the world to me.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is a list of all the things I am thankful for:

• Luke (of course) and the unconditional love we have for one another
• My family, both the family I was born with and the family I have gained from Luke. I am surrounded by so much love and support from my family that it is hard to comprehend at times.
• My health and my new found strength
• My friends. Hard times truly show you who is there for you and I feel so supported by those friends closest to me.
• Luke’s health. He may have gone through hell this year but he is coming out on the other side. 99% donor (aka 99% Ben haha)!
• Penny being the fluffy ball of love that she is
• Last but not least: Food, a home, and warm clothing especially in the cold of Winterpeg

I could probably go on and on about the things I am thankful for, but I will leave it at this:

Take a moment today to remember the good things in life and to appreciate the people around you.