For me November is a bittersweet month of giving thanks. For many of us November is the time of year we reflect on what we are thankful for. Thirteen years ago on November 18th my family’s lives changed forever. With two young girls already we outnumbered ourselves and welcomed our beautiful twin girls into the world. Both girls were born early and both were born with a congenital heart defect. We spent the next six months in the Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. We endured open heart surgeries, life support machines and MIRACLES. I am thankful each and everyday for all four of my daughters and the privilege I have to be their Mother. I am thankful to their team of surgeons, cardiologists, all of their nurses and staff at CHOC Children’s Hospital who worked tirelessly, never leaving their side and never giving up. I am thankful to my husband for being my best friend and living this amazing crazy life with me and our girls. Everyday I get to wake up and be there Mother is another day I am thankful. As we all look forward to Thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family, I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on the things that you are thankful for, not just this month but everyday. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love!
Originally published in Surprise City Lifestyle