Last year, I cried at my mammogram, which is cringeworthy for someone like me who abhors crying in public. Back in 2022, I wrote a post about a very positive experience with my 3rd mammo ever, but 2023 was quite different. The appointment built on several layers of issues, effectively creating a massive sandwich ofContinue reading “Healthcare’s Downfall”
Tag Archives: #cancersurvivor
4th Cancerversary
I can’t believe it’s been four years since I picked up the phone and heard the words “You have cancer.” I spent those early days in shock and disbelief. I was also terrified. I remember going to our New Year’s Day mass on January 1st, 2020, convinced that I wouldn’t be there with my familyContinue reading “4th Cancerversary”
The Character of a Year
embrace small momentsweave them into memoriesa shawl of comfortbest worn in times of trialthe armor of endurance How do you characterize an entire year? One year holds so many ups and downs, tribulations and triumphs. I think we all did this with 2020, though; nobody says, “Oh, yeah, good ol’ 2020: best year ever!” IContinue reading “The Character of a Year”
Spiral Void
float on,down the river,until its eddiesreel against nature,swirling you intothe spiraling motion,the space devoid of downstream flow,the turbulence out of control,spinning on repeat ‘Tis the season to overextend yourself until you accidentally burn out, to then take a day entirely to yourself, and to finally bounce back feeling rejuvenated but also slightly off-kilter like you’reContinue reading “Spiral Void”
The lens through which we see the world
the camera reflects the lens through which we see life captured light glistens bright and speckles the soul with sunbeams fractured lens the camera pretends tells only half the story squeezes hope bitter note looking for glory heartened now we are learning how to share love camera’s hope the story behind the lens empathy warmContinue reading “The lens through which we see the world”
in the before and the after
time, for myself, is now bifurcated, cleaved around its natural disaster channeled endlessly, sometimes I hate it tunneled through disease: before and after I comb through the past but can’t reconcile before the hourglass flipped on its side, pooling in hollow in-between miles, pouring sand through fingers splayed, I reside on the other side, aContinue reading “in the before and the after”
Confident in Weakness
spite the blossoms that test the stems, tugging heavenward, daring nature’s roots. spite the bud the dissolves into airy fuzz and leaves the nest too soon. spite the leaves that crumble and wake underfoot, taking broken to the wind, to scatter their worldly dreams beyond their homes. I think one of my biggest weaknesses isContinue reading “Confident in Weakness”
Memoir as Healing
One concept that I’ve been considering more lately is the healing power of writing– specifically the healing power of memoir– although all expressive types of writing apply. I held a workshop recently where I shared a bit about my own cancer story and how it led me to focus on the importance of healing throughContinue reading “Memoir as Healing”
Gratitude
Spotting pale petals, you remember, trading picturesque mountains for Midwestern fields, the willpower of finding home away from home while healing strangers. But I would call you my brother, standing among a handful of faces that comforted me when the world was ending. How a rose must look from hospital rooms, frail petals and questioningContinue reading “Gratitude”
April’s Reading List
This month, I managed only one novel-length book due to the intensity of my teaching schedule and other commitments. As much as I would love to spend days lounging and reading, it’s just not in the cards at this time in my life– though, maybe I can sneak in a bit more of that inContinue reading “April’s Reading List”
Words and Coffee Writing 