Mary Lou Retton Says She's 'Eternally Grateful' in Thanksgiving Message After Health Scare

"On this day of giving thanks, I am reminded of the preciousness of life," the former gymnast said following a health scare last month

Mary Lou Retton is holding her loved ones a little closer this Thanksgiving Day.

During the holiday, the Olympic champion, 55, shared photos of herself and her family as she reflected on the ups and downs of her year in a lengthy Instagram caption.

"As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, my heart is overflowing with profound gratitude. I want to express how truly blessed and thankful I am to be slowly improving and to be home with my girls, especially after my time in the hospital," the caption began.

It continued: "The love and support of my four amazing daughters have been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey. Their presence in my life is a testament to the incredible bonds of family."

The renowned athlete also praised her "Foxy [Foxy's Leotards] family" for always being there for her: "On this day of giving thanks, I am reminded of the preciousness of life, the love that surrounds me, and the resilience of the human spirit."

"Each one of you has played a significant role in my journey, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

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Retton’s reflections come amidst her ongoing road to recovery after she faced a health scare in early October, which landed her in the ICU.

Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, 26, made the initial announcement of her mother’s condition at the time.

“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life," she wrote in a message on a Spotfund fundraising page for Retton, which has raised over $459,000 — well over its initial $50,000 goal.

"She is not able to breathe on her own," she continued. "She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”

Related: Mary Lou Retton's 4 Children: All About Shayla, McKenna, Skyla and Emma

Retton’s eldest daughter, Shayla Schrepfer, 28, also voiced how the family’s No. 1 concern was “the well being of our mom” in a statement to PEOPLE at the time.

After the retired gymnast was released from a Texas hospital in late October, Kelley couldn’t contain her gratitude.

“Mom is HOME & in recovery mode,” Kelley wrote in a statement on Instagram. “We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps.”

“We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone," she continued. "Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.”

Related: Mary Lou Retton Has Had 'Sister-Like Bond' with Teammates for 39 Years: 'We Know How Strong She Is' (Exclusive)

Shortly after, Retton used Instagram to make her own statement about her recovery process.

"I'm with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process," the former athlete wrote. "When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues."

The gymnastics star also wrote that she is "beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement," and said she is "overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight."

In addition to her gratitude, she also hopes that by eventually sharing her own story, she can “help others who may face the same battle as me.”

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