Scrap Garden: Breast Cancer Awareness

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Inking Pink for the Cause

We all have those moments, the ones that come along every once in awhile and take your breath away-- some of them are happy, like my wedding day, when I was offered my first teaching job, the days each of my three children were born. But more often than not, those moments are TOUGH moments, things we'd rather not have to go through but they come anyway. And I believe these are the moments that define us, that shape our character, strengthen our hearts, cement our relationships.

One of those moments hit me a little over two years ago when my younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was only 31 years old when she was diagnosed and 4 1/2 months pregnant with her fourth baby. I knew something had been going on with her that week, but because she was expecting, I worried it was something to do with the baby. I never, never expected the news she told me-- that she had breast cancer and was going to have a double mastectomy the very next day. I was shopping that day and just sat in my car in the parking lot of Target and cried. And cried again many times throughout the next few months as she underwent her surgery, started to heal, began chemo, delivered a healthy baby boy, began more chemo and 6 weeks of daily radiation therapy. And yet throughout all that, I never saw her cry. I am sure she had her moments of breakdown and terror about the future, but she was so strong, so brave, so positive throughout every single minute.

My page in honor of my sister, a hard page to make but I'm so glad I did!

And that's where the defining part comes in-- I learned so much from her and admire her so much. Whenever I am having a bad day and think things are going absolutely rotten, all I have to do is think of everything she went through, never complaining or being bitter about the trials she was facing. And when I remember that, I remember what moments really and truly count. How blessed I am and grateful I am for what I have, for the precious moments I share with my friends and family.

I know that many of you have had personal experiences with breast cancer and understand how important these moments are. And now with the experiences of my dear friend Elise, I think about it all over again. I hope our stories this week inspire you to treasure those moments, we never know how many more we have and we have to take advantage of every single one. This means, that as women, we need to do what we can to protect ourselves. Early detection and screenings are the best way to reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer. So do your monthly checks and get that mammogram when it's time! And yes, I've had my first one and it wasn't that bad! Take care of yourself so you can have all the moments you possibly can.

Thanks so much for joining us as women together for a cause all around the world!! And now, the fun stuff! I'd love to hear your thoughts so to be entered in my PINK blog candy, please become a follower and leave me a comment. I will choose a random winner when this blog hop closes on October 31st and send you this lovely candy!