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My daughter had allergy tests today.

On her back.

38 different allergens.

38 different small needles.

It was AWFUL.

Luckily neither one of us really had any idea that it would be that bad, otherwise I would have sent my husband.

It was so awful I spent $60 at Build-A-Bear, bought her White Castle and let her have candy.

She could ask me to buy her a car right now and I probably would.

Thankfully she isn’t talking about it, instead is excited about the fact that she can drink chocolate milk because she tested negative for it, and of course, Sally, her new Hello Kitty friend.

Although I thought he looked cute in it.

In yet another medical drama, Simon the dog had to have surgery on his ear.

His big ole ear flap had gotten infected and he had broken blood vessels and his whole ear was a big puss filled sac.

And it was painful.

I don’t have a before picture but I know he would love some sympathy.

Can’t you tell?

We thought it was funny they drew ears on his bandage.

And to add insult to injury, they turned him into a poodle.

It’s November and around here we are putting away our Halloween decorations and bringing out the turkey themed ones.

Tablecloths.

Wreaths.

Candles.

All sorts of fall themed items we have collected over the years.

Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the holiday season which concludes with Christmas and then New Years.  Who doesn’t love this time of year?  Oh I’m sure there are a few Scrooges out there who really couldn’t care lesson about this festive, thankful and giving time of year, but in my family, as each year passes, we cherish the simple fact that we are all still here.

In the late winter of 2008, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.  They told him, essentially, to say his goodbyes.  There was little hope.  Only sadness.

All of a sudden my parents were faced not only with tragedy, but with decisions that affect their livelihood and most likely my mom’s future alone.  My parents are not wealthy and were both still working.  But they did not have the kinds of jobs that came with amazing insurance and benefits.

My dad had to stop working in order to have treatment.  Despite the poor prognosis, he did choose to fight.  They had to evaluate issues like social security.  Medicare.  And I’m sure, though no one spoke of it, care as his disease progressed and eventually funeral arrangements.  I can’t even imagine all the stuff they had to worry about.  It’s bad enough that my dad was handed a death-sentence.  But all the responsibilities that go along with it make it nearly impossible to simply enjoy the time you have left.

Below is a picture of my dad from March of 2011 with my daughter.

Confused?

Don’t be.

He’s still here.

In remission.

The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 colon cancer is 15%.  We’re almost halfway there and so far he’s still cancer-free.

But this is something that we will always be thinking about.  Worrying about.

So many of us have family members who are reaching an age where debilitating illness or disease could prevent them from being able to take care of themselves.  I can’t imagine dealing with medical bills, loss of income and having to pay someone to help care for them if they are unable to care for themselves.  This is a real issue that so many people can face (even though we’d probably would rather not think about it).  It’s a serious issue and it is an expensive issue.  You never know when tragedy can strike and of course you want to make sure that your loved ones have the care they need, without strain or without compromise.

Long term care insurance is one way to help your loved ones prepare for and protect their future.  You can’t predict when tragedy will strike, but you can ensure that you will be prepared to deal with it.

Has anyone in your family faced a life-threatening illness?

Who are you thankful for this year?