I believe it’s in the painful lessons that we learn how fragile love and life truly are. Oddly enough, it is these lessons that teach us gratitude — for those precious small moments. And in these experiences and losses, I have forever been changed.

I learned that the people around me can make things heavier with their negativity, or they can lift with kindness and love. The people in my life now are those that show up despite their brokenness, because like me, they have been taught hard lessons through life. They, like me, have experienced unspeakable pain and grief yet their hearts remain open, kind and loving. I have been held up by these people time and again, and I wouldn’t be who I am without them. We truly are the company that we keep.

I am starting over AGAIN this thanksgiving. And this holiday will look much different, and I am again reminded that I have so much to be grateful for. I savor every precious moment – just as life has taught me.