Remembering Mom

Eighteen years ago today your pain ended. We had two months to say goodbye - a luxury that many don't have. It was a sweet time with a lot of visitors, much laughing, many memories and a few tears. Today there are still memories and a few tears. Mostly there is gratitude for the chance to say goodbye.

Summertime

"Summertime and the living is easy." Or so the song goes. For those of us with hot flashes, summer can find us peeling off clothes faster than a Las Vegas stripper. When the man in bed with you says "You're hot!" this is not a compliment. It's code for "move over, your body's become a radiator - again."

It's true, a hot flash raises your skin temperature 4-8 degrees - Instantly. Suddenly you find your cheeks rosy, you're glistening and everyone is plotting to use you as the S'more maker at the next cookout.

My solution, buy yourself a convertible with a great air conditioning system. You deserve it baby cause you're hot!

Celebration of Life

Spring makes me giddy. The renewal of life is so powerful whether you're in the garden or simply sitting quietly contemplating the past. So many breast cancer survivors have told me how important connecting with nature has become to them. I have to agree. Being one with nature, especially in the Spring, feels like attending a celebration of life.

Today I celebrate those friends and family who have faced a crisis and emerged stronger and more centered. Who will you celebrate?

My Angry Valentine

Mom was angry. Everything about her cancer made her mad - especially the color Pink! "I'm not fighting the brave fight" she'd proclaim. "I am an unwilling participant and I will not be defined by cancer."

One thing she did like was gifts. No matter the occasion, she wanted gifts. That made her first Valentines Day with cancer rather tricky. I knew this year's gift had to carefully avoid the colors, emotions and symbols of cancer. Yet, I wanted to give her something special that would remind her how much I loved her. My solution was to think like a mom. What she really wanted was exactly what I had to give - a daughter's love.

When she opened my gift, she burst into tears. "This is so special, thank you." I had given her my heart.