A Day to Remember
June 14, 2008
Deb contacted me through my website and shared her story with me. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and is half-way through chemo treatments. She has lost her hair and asked to receive one of my pink scarves. She asked if I could drop the scarf off while she was receiving chemo and so we arranged the day and time.
June 5th I had the privilege of meeting Deb. I gave her a scarf and she was so happy. She said is was just beautiful and it brought tears to her eyes! It felt as if we had been friends forever. We proceeded to visit and I found out that we share something in common – we both lost our mothers in the same month we were diagnosed with cancer. We visited about how difficult that time was but admitted we’ve grown because of the experience.
Deb’s three sisters were with her that day and I had the pleasure of meeting them as well. They were wonderful and they’re such a strong support system for Deb.
Deb provided me with yarn, a financial contribution, and a card. The card read “thank you for the scarf and visit, but more importantly, thank you for all you do for those of us fighting breast cancer. What a kind heart you have! Grateful, Deb.
I shared with Deb before I left that we may be strangers when we meet but when you become part of the pink scarf family, you become a friend for life!
One Year Anniversary
June 14, 2008
June 1, 2008 marks my one year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer.
Throughout the day positive thoughts about the last year came to mind – my cancer being treatable (and is in remission) and the incredible support system that I have with my family and friends, the ACS, and Relay for Life. My life has certainly been changed – for the better.
One of my friends from the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life lost her husband to cancer several years ago. I thought about her today because of what she shared with me almost a year ago. Someone had asked her if she had to choose today between having her husband back or giving up the friends she made during his illness, which would she choose. She said she would choose the friendships. A year ago I was stunned by her answer. But today I can understand. The friendships gained are invaluable and I, too, am so grateful for them.
What a difference a year can make! I CELEBRATE each day and consider each day a gift to be shared with someone special.