A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a lovely woman, with school-aged children. As is most always the case, the diagnosis came out of no where. One day she was simply living her life, the next she is told that a lump found on a routine exam is cancer. I am reminded that life does not always make sense.
It was just a little over two years ago that I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer. There are many days now that I do not think much at all about the fact that I had cancer, and that I went through some difficult surgeries to remove the tumor. I have not gotten involved in cancer survivor groups, relays, or walks. It has worked best for me to move on. Yet, when I heard my friend's diagnosis, it brought a lot of emotions to the surface. Most central of all, interestingly, was gratitude. I'm grateful to be here to watch my children grow up. I'm grateful to be able to walk in the woods, spend time with family and friends, read books, do my creative work, contribute to my community. Nothing fancy, just the basics.
I made my friend this crocheted stone. She is collecting items to serve as a healing shrine. When I was being treated, I made a similar collection of objects given to me by friends and family. I believe objects can be vehicles for much love and connection through place and time. I hope our collective wishes and prayers will help my friend through this terrible time.