Every year around New Year’s Eve, my husband and I try to take time out of the chaos that is our daily life and make goals for the coming year. We also like to reflect on the year that is passing and on life in general. I was thinking about this the other day when a commercial for St. Jude’s came on the TV. The one reminds us to be thankful for our healthy children and remember those who are not. It makes me cry almost every time. A reminder that it could be my sweet boy so sick and missing his beautiful, curly hair.

Even though we have to live with this syndrome every day, I have to be thankful. Thankful that we are not at St. Jude’s, but, if he did develop Leukemia or Aplastic Anemia, we live in a country where medical care is readily available. I am thankful for the doctors who, even though we’ve been to some who are not the most sensitive (complete jerks), are keeping a close watch on my little boy. I am thankful that we have pharmacies with the medications that we need right down the road because I have been to areas in the world where parents cannot get the medicines that their children need.

I wish every day that my children did not have to go through life with these syndromes, but I am thankful for my children and everything that they have taught me about strength, faith, and love. I am learning to stop asking “Why?” and rely on my faith that everything is going to turn out fine. I have realized that I am not in control (which is really hard for a control freak like me) and that I must “let go and let God.”

In this coming year, I am going to try my hardest to be happy, have faith that all will be well, and live each day to the fullest. This is what I want my children to learn for me. Every day is a gift and every moment that I have with my children is a blessing. Some days are harder than others, and I’ve had plenty of breakdowns, but I am going to try my hardest to make every day a fantastic day. I wish each of you a Happy New Year. May it be filled with love, happiness, and sense of peace. God bless.