"Giving Thanks" by Franny Kiles

November can feel like a difficult month as the clocks are turned backward (in some places at least), the cold sets in, and winter looms ahead. As I adjust to the new season, I am grateful that I can look forward to Thanksgiving and the holidays. I take some time while I’m curled up on a cold November night - to give thanks. 

(Before I go on, I should disclose that I currently live in Los Angeles and really have no business complaining about the onset of winter, but even LA can get a bit gloomy and gray.)

First, I should say that in a very meta way I am thankful that there are so many things that I am thankful for - too many things to list in this post.  Some of the big ones - home, health, family, friends, love, community, support, stability, laughter, nature, music. 

And some of the smaller moments and things that are just as important…

Endorphins after a long hike. 

Warm tea, an immersive book on a cold night. 

Lemonade, an immersive book, a guitar on a beach. 

Salty ocean air, nebulizers, enzymes, and everything else that makes me feel good and keeps me healthy. 

Golden mountains overlooking the sunset. 

Making music with people I love and who love me. 

The privilege and opportunity to attend graduate school in Public Health and pursue my passion of improving health equity. 

Twinkling, shining stars on a clear, expansive night. 

Snow in the Sierras - a positive side of winter. 

The ability to take deep breaths. (Maybe that’s not such a small one.) 

I am also thankful for aspects of my life that have been harder or more painful, because I would not be myself if I had not struggled and continue to struggle working through them. Especially when it comes to CF. I am thankful for the many stretches I have learned while dealing with the perpetual tightness in my shoulders and back that is a result of my years of coughing. 

I am thankful that I started running at such a young age because it sparked my love for hiking and climbing mountains, even though running through lung infections can be painful and disheartening at times. 

I am thankful for my unique style of singing, which is deeply intertwined with the crackling mucus in my airways. 

Finally, there are so many people and groups of people who I am thankful for and who have been such important parts of my life, but this post would not be complete without giving a special thanks to the Breathe Bravely and CF community. Although we have never met in person, I am so grateful to share in all of your art, music, and stories. The strength, courage, and support in this community is extraordinary. CF often seems invisible to the world yet our community knows it like the back of our hands - because it is the back of our hands. Being understood in that way is irreplaceable. 

I wish you all a wonderful winter season!