Thursday, May 30, 2013

Relay...

Tomorrow night into Saturday, I will be participating in an American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Event.   

At last year's relay, I wore a kerchief.  This year, I have a full head of curly, unruly hair and I'm quite pleased about it.  

Last year we raised $25,000 and this year, we have raised just over $16,000 so far.  Our team rocks, if I do say so myself.  If you'd like to make a difference (and rock too),click here to make a tax deductible donation to our team.  

 "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
-Helen Keller

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

First trip...


We took our first trip to the zoo this season, and, we got to enjoy it with some of the cousins.   The baby goats were the highlight, oh so cute!

Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Still Smiling...

This may be one of those posts where I disclose too much information, and for that, let me apologize ahead of time. I visited a plastic surgeon's office the other day to talk about reconstruction.  Unfortunately there is no pill I can swallow to grow a breast in the space where I am currently missing one, so surgery appears to be the only option.  I am not sure I am ready to take on another surgery at the moment, but I was ready to see what my options were and become more educated about each of them.  It would be nice to be able to snap my fingers and be on the other side of this process, but, unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.  I'm grateful that I do have options and choices I am able to make.   I will take some time to be sure I make the decision that is right for me. Some days I think it would just be okay to go through the rest of my life with a prosthetic, but then I have moments, like changing my shirt four times because I'm afraid my prosthetic is popping out, when I think otherwise.  

Along with my visit came a "complimentary photo session".  Thankfully my face did not appear in the photos and so, I didn't have to smile, but I think I may have anyway.  It was a good day.  I am well and continue to gain strength and heal with each passing day. 


The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Birthday Wishes...

to my mom, the one who gives selflessly, without complaint, each and everyday.  

 Wishing you blessings and happiness for today and the year ahead.  
  May today be a day you feel loved and appreciated for all that you are and all that you do.

Happy, happy birthday Mom.
We love you!

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Routine...


I'm trying to get back into the routine of blogging.  I didn't mean to fall off schedule, but I think our Magical vacation did it to me.  I still haven't gone through all the photos from our Disney trip.  That is next on my list.  For now enjoy three random photos from this past Sunday.  




Maybe life is random, but I doubt it.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Published...

I was looking through my Facebook Newsfeed today and saw a familiar face, my own.  It was on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer page and linked me to the essay I recently wrote for them.  It was published today.  Those who have been reading my blog for some time know that this "writing thing" serves as a source of therapy for me.  It helps me to express and understand my feelings so that I process things I may otherwise struggle to get through.  I hope that through my expression I can also help others, to not only feel a part of my story, but to perhaps benefit from some part of it, to relate, and maybe to feel less alone in a certain situation they may be experiencing.



Here is the link to my essay.  Thanks for reading!

"Every heart has a story to tell."
-Sara Haze

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Birthmothers...


"A Birthmother puts the needs of her child above the wants of her heart"
-Skye Hardwick



"A mother's love for her child is like no other love. To be able to put that feeling aside because you want the best for your child is the most unselfish thing I know."
-Natasha, American Adoptions Birth Mother



" I chose adoption for my baby not because I didn’t want her but because I love her."
-Sandra, American Adoptions Birth Mother



" If you love some one unconditionally and with your whole heart, than you will do what is best for them not you."
-Talitha, Birth Mother (placed twice)

" It is not hard to know what is best, it is just hard to overcome all of the emotions involved."
-Haley, American Adoptions Birth Mother

Today is birthmother's day.  I'm so grateful for all birthmothers who make the selfless decision to place their children for adoption.  Happy (birth) Mother's Day! xo