I am grateful for beauty in nature. We were driving to Sam’s appointment yesterday and were awestruck at the moon at 6 am. He pulled off the road so I could try to freeze it in time. I told Sam I wished I had a camera that could capture the moment, but we both agreed it was a moment meant just for us.

As we pulled into the hospital parking lot at 7:30, Sam saw a fox peaking over a snow hill. He was THAT close. But I had put my phone down in my purse and so MY picture is of Foxy running away, but the other picture is what we actually SAW.

I am grateful for once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Sam had his CT scans while the sun decided to make the trees sparkle. I am very grateful for great health care and the best oncologists for Sam.

After he was finished, we drove to the other side of the complex to the Cancer Center. While Sam was sitting in the waiting room to be called back to chemo treatment, I took a minute to go out in the parking lot and seize the moment of frozen trees in the sunshine. I wish I had more time to zone in on a couple of them, but this is what I got.

Today, I have been at my desk all day, listening to snow crash off the side of the house. It scares two cats, but it is a welcome noise for me, like snow crunch underfoot, or children sitting on sleds and squealing with delight. I am grateful for the sounds and beauty of post-snow.

I am grateful that this year, Sam didn’t need help shoveling our drive. THIS year, he could do it himself – with a shovel and with a new toy. He has come so far…

Finally, on this end of the week, I am grateful for smiles in the middle of adversity. I am grateful that when a door closes, another opens when we are ready to move on.

I am grateful for Emmanuel, God with us.

And I am grateful for healing and wonderful CT results.