Holidays conjure up lots of different emotions for pretty much everyone. When Jim was diagnosed, holidays and birthdays took on an additional layer of emotion because there was always a fear that it would be the last time we celebrated that particular holiday with Jim physically present. The unpredictability of cancer made me hyper-aware of how quickly Jim’s health could deteriorate.  We were able to celebrate three Thanksgivings and Christmases with Jim after his diagnosis. I am so grateful that my family and Jim’s family have always gotten along so well and especially after his diagnosis, did their best to accommodate Jim and his needs for the given holiday. The holidays do bring some additional sadness now. This will be our second Thanksgiving without Jim and our first one with the Gainey family without him. I can feel his absence at all family gatherings because he was always the life and heart of the get-togethers. I can picture him joking with the brother in laws, picking on his sisters or sister in laws, helping or talking to his parents or in-laws and most of all: making the holiday memorable and special for our boys.  I miss that the most. This year will obviously be different. Not only will this year be different because Jim is not here but, my in-laws have invited my boyfriend, Jason, for Thanksgiving. I honestly cannot find the words to describe how amazing my in-laws have been, especially through the last 5 years. I can’t begin to imagine how they feel losing their child, or seeing me happy with a new man, but their support overwhelms me and is definitely on the top of the list of things I am grateful for this year. I know, as a family, we will do our best to make it a fun occasion and that Jim would be really proud of how we continue to make the best out of our new normal. ♡♡♡♡