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: #remissionlife
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”
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”
In Between & Beyond
Frantic moments captured on screen, April reads memories to me. Looking back, shadow-covered sheen: that year breeds vortices I see. The truth lies beyond the shadows, graying echoes lead home to show: branches bow the way the wind blows, bend underneath life’s tome, and grow. This week’s Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt at the Skeptic’s KaddishContinue reading “In Between & Beyond”
Inner Peace
Hope is the imprints of boots in mud after winter too long. Hope is a song whispered among friends, and around hospital beds, flowing up to the clouds overhead. Hope is the shrill of laughter, the welcome collapse after the longest day spent away. Hope is a prayer, a dare, the people who care, andContinue reading “Inner Peace”
Resuscitation
bitter, battle-hardened, armed with baited breath and toxins, build the bridge that bares your losses, unaware you are the strongest I don’t presume to know what this bald eagle is thinking, but I’d venture that he’s eyeing up a tasty fish. Though they were at one point added to the endangered species list for mostContinue reading “Resuscitation”
The Founding Member of the Club
moonglow overhead turning slippery bridges into whispered dreams floating down country backroads Mississippi memories What do you do when you’re the youngest person in the room? Do you straighten your shoulders and make yourself taller? Do you tilt your ears, hoping for wisdom’s osmosis? Last week, I returned to Rochester, Minnesota, for my radiation check-up.Continue reading “The Founding Member of the Club”
Birthday Scanxiety
This weekend was my birthday, and I am fortunate to celebrate 35 trips around the sun. It’s certainly not old age (despite what my kids may say!) but after cancer I can appreciate just how special each year is. Not one year is guaranteed even though nobody sits down in the twenties and thinks, “I’mContinue reading “Birthday Scanxiety”
Words and Coffee Writing 