STRENGTH

Most everyone that knows me, knows my mom is a breast cancer survivor.  This June it will be 10 years.  1-0-Y-E-A-R-S!  I'm not sure if it has seemed longer or shorter.  What I do know is breast cancer changed all of us.  Never in my whole life did I expect to hear breast cancer from a doctor who my family had not only known for many years, but trusted and loved as well...

I think about the days my mom battled cancer often...from the discovery, to the mastectomy, to the chemo and it's residual effects.  I think about it all.  One word always comes to my mind when I think about everything she has gone thru and everything she will still have to endure because of cancer and the chemo...STRENGTH.  She, while she might not think she was strong then or now she was and is...  I wish I had just a portion of the strength she had/has.  

Today as I read thru the dozen or so blogs I follow, I came across my favorite.  This photographer (who I have talked about before on my Facebook page) is a breast cancer survivor as well.  She takes the most beautiful photographs and is always so encouraging.  Her whole philosophy on life is awesome.  Today  as I read her blog I bawled.  Her words, which aren't always correct (English isn't her first language), are always so moving.  Today she posted about her journey.  She posted very personal pictures.  Pictures that some might find dirty, but to someone who knows the toll breast cancer can take on a person and family, I found them beautiful and inspiring.  Her blog post is HERE.  I hope you take the time to read it.  

Letters to my kids...Marshall

Starting this month, I am participating in a Letters to my children blog circle.  I'm really excited!  After you read my letter you can click on the link at the bottom and go to the next talented Clickin' Mom's page.  So here we go....

Dear Marshall,

      9 years ago last Sunday you came into my life.  You taught me what true love was and you made me happier than I had ever been before.  I am so proud to be your Mom.  The last 9 years have been so much fun....watching you play baseball and basketball, seeing you in the Christmas plays at church, going on field trips, and watching your school programs.  I wouldn't trade anything for those days.  I am so lucky I am able to do those things with you, I can't imagine my life any other way.  

   I LOVE so much that you have such a passion for baseball.  I see you pour your heart and soul into every pitch, every at bat, every turn of the base, every catch you make, and every throw you make.  I hope you always have a passion for something.  Nothing makes me happier than watching you do your thing and be who you are...and who you are right now is MY baseball player.  I will always be your biggest fan and cheerleader.  

  Thank you for being you and I can't wait to see what the next 9 years have in store for you!  

Love you always and forever!
                                        Mom

And for you to continue in our blog circle, please go check out Dana's blog.