On this Thanksgiving Day, The Herald asked readers to share with us reflections on their experiences over the past year and why they're especially thankful today. Here are their stories.
‘A second chance'
On December 29, 2008, I could have lost my life. I felt a pop in my head that caused the worst headache. I lay on the floor as my 2-year-old son tried to comfort me.
After a CT scan, it was determined that I had a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. I was 28. I was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center for emergency brain surgery. My neurosurgeon let us know I might not survive but that he would do his part and the rest was in God's hands.
I prayed for a successful surgery, and family was still there when I awoke. I had 28 staples and a drain in my head, but I was alive. The sound of my son saying “Mommy” brought tears to my eyes.
I spent 11 days in the hospital trying to regain my strength. Today, I am thankful for a full recovery with my family's support. I am most thankful for God giving me a second chance. Life is too short and can flash before your eyes. Be thankful for what you have and who you have now, because tomorrow is not promised.
Tiffany Mann, Rock Hill
Courage and sacrifice
I am thankful because our son has been given new hope for a healthy life and our daughter was willing to give a part of herself to make that happen.
The year came with an engagement for our daughter, Jen, and wedding plans were in motion. Our oldest child, Jon, was visiting a specialist due to an immune deficiency problem he had since he was 8. For no reason, his blood level began dropping, and he had to start getting blood transfusions. Then his body stopped producing platelets and red blood cells, and he had to start getting those through IV. In June, Jon had to wear a mask to protect him from germs.
Jon's health continued to decline and he spent over a month at Carolinas Medical Center. Jon did make his sister's wedding in August, but did not feel well. In September, he learned a bone marrow transplant could cure him, and Jen was a perfect match. On Nov. 2, Jen donated her stem cells, and the next day Jon received them.
As of today, Jon has wonderful blood levels and is doing well. We are praying he is home from Duke by Christmas. I am thankful for a faithful God who hears my prayers, a son who is courageous and a daughter willing to sacrifice, no matter the cost.
Pattie Richmond, Indian Land
Serving our country
My husband and I are especially blessed this year that our son, Gunnery Sgt. Duncan Hurst Jr., came home safely after two tours in Iraq. He has served in the U.S. Marine Corps since January 1996.
After living in San Diego for 12 years, he is now stationed at the naval base at Newport, R.I., where he is a drill instructor for naval officer candidates. It is great to have him back on the East Coast so that we can visit him. We are so thankful that he has chosen to serve our country. Semper Fi!
Duncan and Becky Hurst, Rock Hill
Learned patience and trust
I have been diagnosed with a lung disease and am being treated with very strong antibiotics. The treatment takes a year. One of the antibiotics caused me to lose most of my hearing, but it has cleared up most of the congestion and infection. I hope to be able to rejoin our choir, as that is one of the things that I love to do. I have been singing all my life.
I am also grateful for my husband, who has nursed me through the bad times. Many times I wanted to give up, but he wouldn't let me. I have two new great-granddaughters, one born Oct. 2 and the other Nov. 16. Both are fine.
God has been so good to me this year. I have learned to be more patient and to have more faith and trust in God. He hasn't failed me yet, and I know that he won't.
Carolyn Reynolds, Rock Hill
Days of delight
I have three beautiful grandchildren, Christian and Chase Loss and Michaela Whiting. Michaela was born in January three months early, at 1 pound, 7 ounces. We prayed for her with many others, and at three months she was able to come home. She has brought many days of delight into our lives, and is now a strong, beautiful 10-month-old who weighs about 12 pounds. We are thankful every day for this blessing.
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