My first Thanksgiving in a hospital happened when I was nine-years old.
The longed-for holiday arrived after a complicated procedure, and my body refused to heal. My day was spent resting while watching the Macy’s Day Parade, and then a visit to all of the nurses on staff, where I handed out a few tediously detailed, handmade cards coated in piles of glitter. Cards I spent hours making while propped up on a pillow and covered in heat packs to ease the pain.
My mom worked tirelessly to help me with the cards and miraculously managed to convince the doctors to check me out of the hospital very late at night.
After packing up our home-away-from-home, complete with multicolored pillows, wall stickers, and welcome signs, we drove home where I was able to spend the night laying on the couch and watching movies with family.
That year, on that Thanksgiving, I realized I had so much more to be thankful for than things on the surface. Sure, I have spent most of my life sick and hospitalized. I miss school, and I am often too weak to hang out with friends. But because of my life, I am able to appreciate the out-of-the-ordinary.
I have two families. Not only do I have my brothers, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to love, but I also have another family with my fantastic teams of nurses, technicians, and doctors. They treat me like a daughter, something that meant so much more to me than they could have possibly realized. And so, first off, on this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all the medical providers out there who have helped to keep me alive all these years.
Secondly, I am thankful for my disease. Without it, I would not be who I am today.
I would not be able to stand up for other children who have pediatric pancreatitis or any other form of disability.
I would not have the platform that I have today, where I am working to change the world one life at a time.
I would not trade places with anyone else in the world.
Because of my pediatric pancreatitis, I can hold a hurting child in my arms and tell them I understand, while they know someone loves them and wants to take care of them.
So this Thanksgiving, when giving thanks for the good, remember the bad, because the storms in life make us who we are and teach us to truly appreciate everything around us.
Written by Rebecca Taylor – Founder of Rebecca’s Wish
For every $25 donated to Rebecca’s Wish, you will receive a very special note card set, with the art work created by Rebecca herself. Donations of $100 will receive 4 sets of cards. (All card sets include 6 cards).
https://app.hellofund.com/view/2ywnBywg
2 Comments
Rebecca, you are one-in-a-million in more ways than one. You are not defined by your circumstances, but rather you use them to make life better for others. You, my dear, are people’s introduction to the love of Jesus. Your perseverance in the face of adversity is uplifting. Most people, including myself, will never know the pain you have experienced and still suffer. I am so sorry you have to know such pain. But to turn all that into a brighter future for others is the same thing Jesus did. You are so loved. Praying for God’s protection and healing for you, and much success in all your endeavors!!
Rebecca, you are wise beyond your years. You do have a heat for Jesus and those around you. You have been on my daily prayer list for many years. Even though I have never met you personally, I feel I know you by your good works. You and your family are such a blessing to so many. I will continue to pray for healing for your body and for strength to continue to spread love and hope to others.