Thanksgiving Day 4

Today the library closes at three (as does the campus since there are no undergrad classes). We have student help at the Circ Desk so staff can have lunch together, after which we decorate for the Christmas season.

Decorating consists of the facilities crew bringing and hanging a huge lighted wreath from the balcony, and depositing several boxes including an artificial Christmas tree and the trimmings in the Fireside Reading Room. We play Christmas music on the laptop and make an afternoon of setting up, including getting out the nativity set and positioning it by the front desk.

How thankful I am for these amazing colleagues who quietly and sacrificially kept things going when I was unable to, covered all my desk hours for me, and generally made sure everything got done when I was out of sync. It was not easy for them to take on extra work. They were stretched to the max in some instances.

As well, I am very thankful to the multitude of people who brought meals to my house when I had my chemo treatments. The boys were blessed by the outpouring of good food - so many different dishes, so much home cooking! They got a bit spoiled since I don't have time to do big meals like that often. Its probably the reason I never lost weight during my treatment!

I am also grateful to the many people who sent me cards of encouragement online and in print. All those letters helped keep me cheerful and encouraged. It was better than any anti-depressant. Thank you to all the people who drove me to doctor appointments and medical procedures and chemo and radiation and biopsies. Some of my drivers just brought their knitting and sat patiently for an hour or two while I had some test or surgery.

I cannot tell you how much all the support has meant to me over the last seven months. I am most blessed and thankful for all the caring and loving friends and neighbors. Truly, my heart is uplifted and strengthened by all the help I have received. This is a banner year for celebrating all the good things in my life!