We are quickly closing in on my favorite of all the holidays – Thanksgiving.

The one time we can gather, not worry about being politically correct or the difference of religious belief.

Okay, truth be told, as I typed that last sentence, I realize there’s a camp of people who like to even take issue with Thanksgiving. Slowly shaking my head, as I waste space even acknowledging such ridiculousness. For today we will pretend that camp doesn’t exist, because quite honestly, Thanksgiving is far from one of the big problems we have in this world.

So let’s focus on the real issue at hand – that spirit of Thanksgiving – also known as gratefulness. Just as the Pilgrims and Indians (yes, I said Indians) once broke bread and were grateful for togetherness, I too am grateful for much of the same. (Please refrain from e-mails offering history lessons, as I generalized history – I’m aware.)

Now back at the keyboard, after a year-long hiatus, I am grateful for much and troubled by little.

The beautiful thing about a life altering disease is it puts much in perspective and that does not end. Unlike the person who may be in a car accident, see their life pass before their eyes, yet suffer temporary damages. Often times that person feels “changed” in the moment, but as life continues, they settle back into the pattern of taking much for granted.

My mom is always mesmerized and dumbfounded by some of the things family takes to heart to make a “big deal,” blowing up our phones in a rant, which is more unbecoming than warranted.

“Are they serious?” she’s often asked via phone call. I always laugh and simply reply, “perspective.”

That’s where I find myself this Thanksgiving season, as I reflect on my beautiful “girls,” known commonly as friends who help me maintain a healthy perspective more than they know.

To put it bluntly, these ladies are largely responsible for helping save my life. That’s not dramatic, that’s simply fact.

When we began traveling to UCSF for treatment in early 2022, we knew it would take a special type of commitment, as I would not be able to drive myself. In a relationship at the time with someone who was unable to make that commitment, I worried.

This ‘worry,’ I quickly learned was unwarranted, as my girls quickly stepped up and let me know they were up to whatever it took to help me see this thing through.

Fast forward three years and while a few of the faces have changed, my worry has ceased. The team of ladies who have faithfully sat at my side for those 10-12 hour days still remains. They are committed. They don’t complain and quite honestly, we have fun. How could one not be grateful?

The perspective piece comes in as each of them is always good at offering their own two cents. Often times reminding me who I am, why we do this and their thoughts on whatever may be troubling me in that given car ride. They are each in their own way irreplaceable. The value and beauty they add to my life (and my family’s) individually and collectively is unmatched.

Please keep in mind, I’m not a “local” girl, so these are not childhood besties. Nope, not at all. These are my adult lady friends, each important to me in their own right, with our own set of memories.

The best part about it, is many of them are a who’s who so to speak, doing much by way of the community and volunteer work and doing it all with little fanfare. Those are my people.

So, as the holiday season creeps up on each of us, as we each get busy with our respective plans, commitments, the hustle and bustle, my wish for each of you is that you take a moment to be grateful for the love you have beyond your family.

Dedication to friendship is something to be both cherished and celebrated. As we grow older, lives go different directions and priorities shift, the people who continue to show up regardless deserve recognition.

Anyone who knows me, knows my love and gratitude for my family.

Today however, I want to thank my girls publicly for keeping that worry at bay, the smile on my face, the laughter in my belly and the love in my heart. I cherish each of you, thank you.

God bless: Sara, Steph, Michelle, Jen, Joanna, Danielle, Stephanie, Shannon and Jill for their selflessness and friendship. Please also bless Wendy, Vickie and Cheryl for being true diehard friends through it all. I am a grateful and blessed lady.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.