As we begin this new November, it is just natural to begin to consider all for which we are grateful. Most of us have a lengthy list to ponder. The many hats that I am privileged to wear give me an unbelievably extensive list. My 10 children and their families, including 30 grandchildren and soon to be 24 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. This family is now over 60 in number! My heavens: it truly is a village.

All the memories of my 35 years as an RN in the emergency department at St. Anthony’s Hospital and the many people that I cared for in a part-time job as a home health nurse.

There are so many poignant memories and hopes for the future in my present position as a Creighton Model practitioner and  educator that it boggles my mind. If I began now to say my thanksgiving, it would take several months to speak it all!

In this thought process, one of the most touching reasons for giving thanks comes immediately to my mind.

On October 14, 2021, a precious little girl was born away ahead of her due date. Her Mom was in serious trouble with extremely high blood pressure and the doctors felt that in order to save both the Mom and baby that it was best to deliver Savannah early. The pregnancy was only at 25 weeks when this decision was made. Savannah weighed 1 pound and 9 ounces and she was 11 inches long. The prognosis for this premature baby was dismal. Immediately, Savannah’s parents gave thanks that both mom and baby were both alive. The medical staff did everything that they could to maintain this little one’s life while knowing that Savannah’s earthly life would most likely be very short. They reminded her parents how blessed they were to be able to have her and hold her even for a brief time. A few days turned into 6 weeks and this mom and dad were able to spend Thanksgiving with Savannah, albeit she was still in the hospital and hooked up to all kinds of machinery. She would open her eyes and wrap her tiny hand around a finger. There were victories and setbacks. Even so, the family was able to spend Christmas together in the hospital. Now the weeks were turning into months. The local physicians felt that they were running out of options and that the inevitable was close. They began speaking about removing the machinery. Savannah’s parents did some research and found a hospital in Columbus, Ohio, with success in treating severely premature babies. They had Savannah transferred to the care of this hospital. This is a huge hardship on this mom and dad because they try to get to that hospital to be with their baby at least once every 2 weeks. Sometimes they drive and sometimes they fly. Amazingly, they were able to be with her as they celebrated what never seemed possible – her first birthday!

Savannah now weighs 18 pounds, 6 ounces and is 26 inches long. Most of the machinery is no longer needed and if all goes well, “God willing,” her Mom tells me that she might be coming home for Christmas!! Talk about thanksgiving! This little family has added to my feelings of great gratitude as we exchange progress reports via text on an almost daily basis! Some days my heart feels like it will surely burst knowing that I am a part of this huge miracle. Talk about great gratitude!

Please keep Savannah and her parents in your powerful prayers. Pray that this little family will be able to celebrate Christmas together in their home.

Great thanks for allowing me the privilege of saying many prayers of gratitude because of you and your faithful support of this wondrous work. May this be your BEST Thanksgiving EVER, until the next one!