For Thanksgiving Loners

I was born into a nuclear family, one mom and two boys. I enjoyed my ex wife's family as my own for over twenty years, but have spent the last few solo. I have a lady friend who lives 50 miles from me and she has been my great and loving support through my treatment. I am of course invited to her family gathering for Thanksgiving, and I'm grateful to have the invitation. I won't attend because there will be the regular troop of kids-gone-wild and commotion and I have a lingering symptom I don't like to complain about because it is so minor compared with others' trials on the board. I have ongoing tinnitus that is stuck on jet engine levels, and it's disabling. I'm not alone, there are a significant number of tinnitus sufferers who are disabled by its effects.

I know there are other singles out there, people who have managed a lot or all of their treatment themselves. I want to say hello to all of you and wish us all a great Thanksgiving. I feel lucky, and thankful, and not alone. The people here have been my most constant and immediate support throughout my journey, and I an grateful to each and all of you.

So this Thanksgiving, nine months post radiation and chemo, I have more to be thankful for than ever. I'm alive and cancer free. I also recently replaced my 19.5 inch tv with a 32 inch, and with it, and ear buds, I don't even hear the jets. This is a unique forum because I've never encountered a mean spirit on it.

giving thanks, Hal