Thursday, November 25 – Thanksgiving
We knew that this Thanksgiving would be a little different. Somehow I find myself sitting in my den for a little while, with only Rosie by my side, sipping tea by the fire. Chris is hanging with Heath at the hospital. Pat and Bob and EB are on the way back to Black Mountain, where they will have dinner with dear family friends and then EB will get see some of her Montreat buddies over the weekend. Wilson had a sleepover at Ama and Grandpa’s with Grandma Betty, Aunt Jo and Uncle Steve–he wanted to be ready to watch the parade this morning (and maybe to get all the adult/dog attention to himself 😉).
I will head out there in a little while for Thanksgiving dinner and then will take a delightfully packed plate of food and a mason jar of wine for Chris to enjoy when we switch off at the hospital. And at about 10:30 p.m. tonight, the nurse will hang what we hope to be Heath’s final chemo infusion. I might shed a few quiet tears under my warmed blanket on the tiny couch-ish thing in room 5211. Yep, a different Thanksgiving indeed.
Most likely earlier in the evening, we’ll go around the table, a tradition, and say what we’re thankful for this year. I have no idea how to choose my answer. As hard as this year has been, I actually feel full of gratitude for so many things. (And weary as hell, too, don’t get me wrong. but today we’ll hit the gratitude part).There is a Harvard study that found that giving thanks can make you happier. From the article:The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.
We feel so much gratitude this year for the incredible care and support that we have received–medical care, of course, but also from all of you.
For your cards and prayers (those beautiful hand prayers from FPC!), and banners and texts and calls and emails, we give thanks.
For delicious meals and snacks and adult beverages, we give thanks.
For doggie training and walking and playdates and helping us catch our blessed puppy, we give thanks.
For our incredible family—and friends and colleagues—who help us keep all those juggling balls from falling, we give thanks.
For the Heath Cave out-fitting, iPad, video games and Xbox and things to keep him busy and comfy, we give thanks.
For incredible surprises that keep coming–visits/treats from sports teams and stars (more on that soon), incredibly generous gift cards, gifts that come anonymously, flowers on the porch, and so many things I can’t begin to list, we give thanks.
For teachers for all 3 of our kids who show so much care, we give thanks.
For world class medical care and staff who go beyond expectations, we give thanks.
For our 3 amazing kiddos and the beautiful and unique ways they approach the world, we give thanks.
For the strength, courage and spirit that Heath has found to fight and endure unimaginable hard things (and for the ways he inspires each of us), we give thanks.
For the ways the Spirit has moved in our lives, through all of this care, we truly give thanks.
We’ve tried to say thanks along the way, but we know that words don’t adequately express the gratitude we feel for all of it, all of you. Today I will say it again–Thank you. If gratitude makes you happier, then we must be pretty darn happy, even in the midst of these tough months.
I share a video that an FPC member shared with me months ago. It spoke to me during the hardness of the pandemic. It speaks to me on this particular “different” Thanksgiving as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLPP3XmYxXg
Our dear Elonthon crew sent this amazing gift basket.
❤
What a wonderful post to read today. What a reminder of so much that is good, of God’s grace as we face struggles and celebrations. I am so glad to hear this will be Heath’s last infusion! May he progress on and on and be very well!
Love each of you dearly ♥️
Last chemo treatment — what???!!! That’s fantastic! Perfect timing to have something more to be thankful for!! Perhaps some breathing space now? Hope so. I can feel your tired self, Carrie. Here’s a hug! Hope you get some real sleep soon. You’ve done every single thing you could possibly do to love and care for Heath and Wilson and EB and Chris. I’m so proud of you! God bless, love, Terry
Hugs for all
And I am thankful for YOU! All of you, Tuttles! Your family shines a light on so much good in the world, and you set an example for finding gratitude in tough situations, for finding peace among so much chaos, for finding love in the darkness. Your deeply personal account of recent months teaches us some really valuable life lessons and provides so much perspective. Thank you. I hope Heath’s final infusion went smoothly and that the next several days are OK for him (and all of you). Sending prayers for strength and good cancer-destroying success. And lots of love!
I am grateful for the remarkable way the Tuttle family, especially Heath, is responding to this difficult health journey. I find gratitude does increase happiness.
My prayers continue for all of you.
Happy Thanksgiving Tuttles. We’re grateful for all of you too. Holding you up through these times have been a way for us to thank you for all of the support and guidance you have given us over these years. Prayers for a wonderful (and non eventful) welcoming home to Heath — and assuredly for his return to full strength to be as resilient as his spirits have been throughout. Much love.
I’m thinking about all of you and sending prayers. Hug Heath for me and lots of love to the TUTTLE FAMILY!❤
In all things … gratitude.
Grateful for you and your family and sending you bunches of love! <3
Carrie- you have been a blessing to know. I can’t imagine what you and your family and especially Heath are going through each day. I am so grateful that you have support and your faith. Know that you are all in my prayers and are wished strength as you continue on this journey. 🙏🏻
Grateful to have known and loved you and your family for so many years, to have seen those 3 kiddos grow into beautiful, strong, funny young people, and to be reminded of strength and grace and gratitude as you navigate way more than your share of challenges. I’m celebrating Heaths last chemo treatment and sending so much love to his family as you all enter the next stage of treatment and recovery.
Sending more love and prayers your way, for each and all. Grateful for you, grateful for much.
And we are thankful for you and your friendship. Much love.
As I read Carrie’s post today about “thankfulness”, I must say that I really fall short. And as I read the news about today being the last chemo for Heath, I am extremely thankful. I must say that the Holy Spirit spoke to me and brought tears. Thank you for sharing your moms heart, and for waking my heart to the many ways we can be thankful when we are experiencing difficult circumstances. What a precious Tuttle family.
I am grateful for you and your family. You are a gift to us all. Thanks for permitting us to share in this challenging journey. ❤️
Thank you, Tuttle family, for the incredible ways you make the world a better place. You radiate special love and inspiration that make me a better person.
Blanche
What a special treat it was to have EB with us for turkey, stuffing and gratitude!! Thanks for sharing her. Love to each of you this day and every day. The Kellys are just a wee bit jealous of the sports team visit you got Heath!!
Love from Papa… we’re glad to have your girl for a while! And thankful for all the love and support we have on this end!
May you feel the prayers and support even from people like me who you have never even met. Blessings!
Bowing to my blessings, appreciating each one, the Tuttles among them. Much love (and woofs/slurps) to you all.
I love you Tuttle Family….