Canadian Thanksgiving just passed and I didn’t post anything on any of my social media platforms, (which seems to be the norm for expressing your thanks.) The truth is after arriving home Friday night, I was in a really low spot. I should have been thrilled to be let out just in time for the holiday. But in reality I was feeling overwhelmed and defeated after what felt like an eternity spent at Mount Sinai. I spent the weekend relaxing with family and (thankfully) eating small portions of turkey and potatoes. But I wasn’t in a good spot. Thanksgiving normally is my all time favourite holiday. Better than Christmas. But this year I was so consumed by emotions that I didn’t even know where to begin expressing what I was thankful for.

I could go on forever about how thankful I am for our Canadian health care system, nurses and doctors who cared for me, my friends for sending flowers or cards or messages. I could go on forever thanking my family for sitting bed-side whether it be in a semi-private room, isolation, or emergency. Or to anyone who sent birthday wishes and speedy recovery messages. I really could generate a never-ending list.

But you know all that. At a time where I felt even this blog was not worth it any more and I should just give up, I curled up on the couch and let my favourite weekend slip by without reflecting on what it was really about. And I let it slip by without putting that into writing. My sister attempted to encourage me to work on the blog but just said, “No. I don’t care about the blog anymore.” And the weekend came and went.

But now as I settle into recovery mode, alone and ready to really rest my body, I am in a new frame of mind. This blog is my outlet, my tiny project that I USE for recovery, my therapy, my solace. And now I feel it is important to express my thanks…

I am SO SO entirely thankful for my readers. I may have a comparatively small following, and a narrow audience, but I am extremely grateful. As much as this site is for me, I really do hope it is for you as well. I cannot explain the gratitude I feel to anyone who clicks a link, who follows my page, or who stumbles upon IBD Baggage. To me it means that I do have something meaningful to share. It shows me that people do care, and I may be able to offer some sort of explanation to whatever your baggage is. It demonstrates a community of compassion and empathy. Every reader portrays someone who might be able to connect with a story of hardship. And I am thankful.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to skim whatever nonsense I have to write. Thank you for commenting, messaging or verbalizing your thoughts. Thank you for your engagement and feedback. Thank you for your reception and response. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for just reading. From the bottom of my heart, endless gratitude.