Amen Kristin &amp; blessings to you this Christmas.

I have kissed the darkness that nearly threatened to pull me down and came home from the bone marrow transplant with a simple prayer request; to feel real joy.
Ten years later we Harlows know how to celebrate.  Christmas is no exception.  I know what the alternative is, so for today we choose to embrace what God has given us today and to thank him for what he has blessed us with in the past.  

I prayed for joy and we adopted the happiest, funniest, most loving boy imaginable.  Our daughter turned 11 and her kind soul gives me hope for the future.  I had an an anonymous woman donate her marrow to save my life.  Last but not least I have a husband who was true to his vows for "in better &amp; worse, in sickness &amp; health".  

Acknowledging the darkness is taking stock in what has transformed my life, but I have found true joy is rooted in God's perfect light, his marvelous gift of hope he gave so many Christmases ago.  On the edges lurk the fear of cancer returning or the latest med reduction failing again, but for today I will celebrate and watch out Christmas, here I come!