A lost a friend and some found perspective

Image (and a tasty bread recipe) from tasteofhome.com

This weekend, the smell of homemade bread fills our house in honor of a friend who passed away a few days ago. Why bread? Well, she gave us our bread maker as a wedding gift, so it just felt like a good thing to do.

I’m struggling with this loss, which is natural. Losing a friend is hard. But this particular loss is hitting me on a few different levels. You see, she and Mom were both diagnosed with cancer right around the same time. (You can read more about Mom’s diagnosis here.)

The thing about cancer is it can go one of two ways. Mom’s has gone one way (she continues to heal and find some much needed strength), and our friend's, heartbreakingly, went the other way. It just goes to show you that life is incredibly unstable. Why are our hands dealt the way they are?

I was recently visiting a narcolepsy message board as I’m known to do on occasion, and I came across a thread about a person who said something along the lines of this, “Sometimes I’d rather be dead than have to deal with narcolepsy.” Narcolepsy is difficult and my heart absolutely goes out to this person, but I just can’t imagine feeling this way. Life is precious. Sure, having this illness is a pain in the ass, but we all have our challenges to deal with. At least our paths are still on the road of living. At least we still have time to eat those tasty doughnuts, to play with those rambunctious doggies, to hug the ones we love...to live!

I miss my friend. She was a very good, very gentle, very kindhearted woman. Her passing leaves an absence in this world. But I’m thankful I’m alive to miss her. I’m thankful Mom is alive to miss her. And whether it’s November, a wonderful month for expressing gratitude, or any other month of the year, I hope we can all recognize the blessings that surround us on our paths.

A Hairy Situation, a Momentous Celebration!

With changing seasons, you may find yourself thinking about a new ‘do. If you’ve always had long locks, why not consider chopping them for charity? It’s a great way to try a new style and help an amazing cause.

As you may know, I started growing out my hair for charity shortly after I learned of my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis (Fall ‘08). I’m thrilled to report that Mom finished her treatments in March of this year, which meant it was time to make THE cut!

And I wasn’t alone in my hair-growing endeavors. My dear friends Wendy Smedley and Angie Lucas were with me every step of the way, growing out their hair to support me and the loved ones in their lives who were also dealing with the heartache that comes from having breast cancer. Here we are just before our cuts.

And here are a few of the after shots. I cut a total of 10”.

Thanks to Becky Olsen for joining us on cut day. She took these photos and also donated her own hair!

My first thought was, “Eeep! It’s SO short,” but the shock eventually wore off (my hair has never been this short), and I’m actually really digging the new look. It’s much, MUCH easier to do now, and I’ve basically cut my drying time in half. If that’s not enough to convince you to do the same, I don’t know what is...oh, yes I do--it’s the fact that you can make someone else’s day by sending your hair to be made into a beautiful new wig!

Not only is donating hair completely worthwhile, it’s also oddly comforting. How so? Well, if you’ve ever watched someone you love going through cancer treatments, you know that it can leave you feeling incredibly helpless. I found that this was something I could do--something I could focus on as Mom was going through so much. I talk a little bit more about this in this awesome segment Studio 5 did on our hair-growing efforts. I hope you have a minute to watch. I think you’ll be glad you did. Hair’s to you! ;)

An Update: Mom, Hair and the M Word (and I don't mean "marriage")

Unless you live beneath a rock, you know that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month also marks a year since my dear mommy found out she has breast cancer. Wow. What a year it has been. A very long, very exhausting year…

With all of this in mind, it feels like time for another update.

MOM
She’s doing great! She’s still in treatment and will be until March of next year, but she has two major steps behind her—chemo and radiation. And her hair has started growing back. She already has a little bit o’ brow and delicate little lashes. Way to go, Schmom!

LOCKS OF LOVE
Speaking of hair, I’m still working on growing mine out. I swear, my hair hits a certain length and just stops. Is that possible? At any rate, I’m determined to meet the 8" Locks of Love requirement so I can make the big cut. Here’s where I’m at with this measure-in:

8.5 inches! Only 1.5 to 2 inches left, simply because I want a little hair around my neck.

As a friendly reminder, this is a group effort. See how Wendy
and Angie are doing with their growth.

THE BIG M
Now, on to the scary stuff. I’m the daughter of a breast cancer patient, which means I have a one-in-three chance of following suit. No thanks! Not for me. I’m not as strong as my beautiful Schmom and I like my breasts too much. Is that okay to admit? Let’s hope so since I just did. ;)

So, here’s the plan. I’m going to get a mammogram. *gulp*

Yeah, I’m only 28, but I don’t exactly feel great about those 33% odds. I’ve heard the M hurts. I don’t look forward to having the gals exposed and squished, but I’m going to do it. *Deep breath* Yes, I’m going to do it and I hope you’ll consider doing the same. Strength in numbers, right?

THANKS & SALUTATIONS
Thanks, from my heart, for your ongoing support this year. My entire family deeply appreciates the love that you've so openly shown.

It feels a tad tacky to say “happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” so I’ll raise a glass to health in general. Please, don’t take yours for granted.