Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks

By Yvonne Dagger
​November 1, 2018

To me, the month of November makes me mindful of my many blessings. It also reminds me that we are not alone on our journey through life.  Our community supports us in many ways. They’re with us through good and bad times. I’ve witnessed this numerous times throughout my life and certainly during our recent trial with Dagger. After finding a lump on Dagger’s back and two small cysts on his eyelids, I felt my stomach drop knowing that we were entering in a state of fear. Fear of the unknown…fear that we may hear some bad news. Fear that our lives were going to change in an instant.  That feeling seems to always make me feel sad and alone, but I quickly learned that I was not alone in my feelings. You see, many people throughout the world expressed their concern and love for Dagger.  They sent their good wishes, prayers and positive vibes to us through all of Dagger’s Social Media Sites.  It helped…it truly helped!!!  We knew that we may receive a good or bad report, so we prepared for the worst keeping strong and brave because of the support we had received. Steven Latham, Producer of the PBS show, "Shelter Me" Dagger will be featured in later this year, reassured me that whatever the outcome he “would do whatever it takes to get Dagger the best treatment.”  Wow!  That was the ultimate!!! His concern and love brought tears to my eyes. After Dagger's surgeon called us to give us the good news that the lump and cysts looked to be benign, I knew that Dagger would be able to continue his good deeds for a  long, long time!!! Whew!!!!  Today, Dagger returned home feeling a little loopy still from the anesthesia, but all in all he’s doing fabulous.  
So, what did I learn from this experience?   
I learned that we are NOT alone!  I learned that we are a part of a caring community that supports us no matter how hard and difficult things may get for us!  I was reassured of that over and over again. Hundreds of posts…hundreds of caring people!!
To me that’s Thanksgiving.  
I’m grateful to everyone for the well wishes, prayers and positive energy we received.
It helped in more ways then you will ever know. Part of Dagger’s message has always been coming together as a community to educate, inspire, create and help others in kindness and love. And boy! oh boy! did we feel it!!!  We’re grateful for you all.  Community spirit is the essence of Dagger’s message along with education and creativity.  Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings while recognizing the gifts and talents we have been blessed with.  May you recognize how special you are!!!  
Have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, kindness, good food  family and friends!!! 

Happy Tales to you!
​xo Yvonne

---