Hi Everyone,

Corey had a special night. She rested up this afternoon so she could go to a Thanksgiving dinner with her friends. As I mentioned last week, everyone was coming home for the holiday and the 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner for one group of friends was at Lexie’s house. This year Corey attended. She even made her favorite side dish to share, string bean casserole. Many of her friends from this group have visited Corey but more than half of them haven’t seen her in over a year. They had a great reunion! Each of the kids took turns telling what they liked and didn’t like about their college experiences so far. Then it was a free for all with side bar conversations and laughter. I watched Corey as she turned from each conversation, listening and laughing along with her friends. She was able to stay for almost 2 hours. Check out the gallery for the updated pictures.

One of Corey’s friends sent her the lyrics of a song that suits her perfectly; it’s Joe Nichols, the Impossible…here is an excerpt that is Corey to a tee!

Unsinkable ships sink.
Unbreakable walls break.
Sometimes the things you think would never happen,
Happen just like that.
Unbendable steel bends.
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable,
I’ve learned to never underestimate,
The impossible

So don’t tell me that it’s over.
Don’t give up on you and me.
‘Cause there’s no such thing as hopeless,
If you believe:

My brother, Tom (aka Uncle Tom the Great) and my sister-in-law Marjy have a Thanksgiving tradition in their family. Instead of saying grace, they each take turns saying “Thankfuls”. Each person recites what they were most thankful for in the last year. We have been fortunate to join them for several Thanksgiving dinners (followed by serious black Friday shopping!). Unfortunately we missed last year and will not be able to be there this year either, however, we hope to skype everyone tomorrow.

We may not be sitting at the thanksgiving table with the Palamara’s but I have many thankfuls to share. I’m thankful we’re not eating dinner tomorrow at Bryn Mawr! I’m thankful to Lexie’s parents for renting ramps to accommodate Corey’s wheelchair so she could be welcome in their home. I’m thankful to have my three children home together, sleeping under the same roof tonight. I can’t wait to spend the day with them tomorrow! I’m thankful for our medical team in the ICU, BrynMawr and our homecare nurses from Maxim. I’m Thankful for Team Corey; PT, OT, ST and our teachers from the HS.
I’m thankful for the people that planned, attended and supported our fundraisers. I’m most thankful for all of you! Your words of encouragement, calls, text messages, visits, etc. have been what have sustained us this year. There were so many moments that I felt weak and your presence whether it be through the written word or in person helped me stay strong to keep standing and moving forward to help Corey’s recovery.

I’m thankful for laughter, sarcastic humor and the “normal teasing” that only family and best friends can deliver. Our family and friends are Amazing. Our community is Amazing. Thank you for your love and continued support.

We have a busy weekend planned. Tomorrow we will enjoy being together. Friday, the kids go back to Philly and I head up to Connecticut for my 30th High School reunion…yes, I did say 30th! I can’t wait to see my HS buddies. Saturday and Sunday we have more company planned. We will sign off for the weekend but would like to wish you all a wonderful weekend celebrating and enjoying your family time so you can create new thankfuls together!

Corey I want to thank you for never giving up, always reminding me that Nothing is Impossible, there’s no such thing as Hopeless and I am most grateful for the daily reminder to BELIEVE! I love you so much, xoxo