Thankful this Thanksgiving

Holly and I would have loved to dress
her up on this special holiday

I know the notion of me being Thankful this Thanksgiving might seem odd considering the recent loss of Grace. But on this Thanksgiving morning, I sit in Gracie's room reflecting on everything that has transpired over these last few months. About our heartache and yes, about the things I'm thankful for. As much as I still hurt and miss her, I'm still thankful for so much.

I'm thankful I have such a wonderful wife I love so much. She was such an incredible mother to Grace and for that I'm eternally grateful. Her connections with Grace through song were truly amazing and exemplify some of the best memories I have of her. I'm thankful for the way she would play with Grace and work on communicating with her. I'm thankful for all the early mornings she got up to take care of her. And I'm thankful we can share in our memories of Gracie and how much she meant to us.

I'm thankful to all her doctors, nurses and therapist who did the best they could to care for Gracie. Many went above and beyond what you would normally expect to attend to Grace. Their care and compassion for Grace made her life better and for that I'm grateful.

I'm thankful to all our friends and family who have supported us during this time. Your generosity and love is beyond anything I can expound here. Just know it touched us greatly and will never be forgotten.

I'm thankful for my health and having a roof over my head. I'm thankful I have such a wonderful son who is growing into a remarkable young man. I'm thankful for our beagle Bodie, who brings us companionship and laughter.

But most of all I'm thankful we had Gracie and could share our lives together for the short time we had her. I'm thankful that I got to be her daddy and love her everyday of her life. I am so grateful we could take care of her and make her life as comfortable and happy as possible. I'm thankful I got to hold her, bath her, play with her, feed her, change her, and love her. We gave Grace every ounce of our love and I know she felt it in her heart.

I love you Gracie and I will never stop being thankful you "Graced" my life.