Last year we depended on the kindness and generosity of others to make our Christmas dreams come true. We had very little ourselves and were scraping to hold on to our house and business. The hardest part of treatment was still ahead of us, and little did we know that life was going to get even harder for this weary little family.

Life is difficult when there is so much scarcity. Even when I tried to hold on to the bright spots, everything was so heavy and hard that joy kept slipping away from me. I was hurting and tired. And then you showed up for me.

You gave us what we couldn’t create on our own. You filled in the gaps, lifted our spirits and made it possible to keep going.

This year, we handled Christmas on our own. We gave to others- a tradition that is deeply important to me. We tried to lighten the burden for those who needed it because this year we have so much light ourselves. It is a complete reversal from last Christmas and it isn’t something I could have imagined a year ago.

I want to share my joy and abundance with you. I want to let you know that we are okay, in no small part because you helped carry us here. I want to say “thank you” and send you the love and care you so generously shared with us. I want you to know how much you matter and how deeply your love was felt by hurting hearts.

So thank you for the gift of you. Thank you for helping us arrive safely on the other side. Thank you for creating an everlasting flow of gratitude in this home.

I hope happiness, love and joy find you this holiday season and in the new year.

Give ‘Em Hell