Personal Reflections: moments in arizona {BRCA}
January 29, 2013
My dad took this of me and my sisters
who gathered around my mom
who is doing an amazing job
fighting disease with
chemo and giving
cancer a nice
kick
in
the
crotch.*
Here is my mama at one of her
wig fittings...since none of us cares for the word wig,
we call it her weave.
Yep.
Her beautiful hair is gone now,
and this is alllllll weave
and fabulousness.
My dad caters to her every need
in such a gentle, compassionate manner.
Both of my parents are ministers/shepherds/counselors,
and as they embrace this new obstacle,
they are inspiring countless others
along the way.
This was a fun place we had lunch in Scottsdale
called Modern Steak, and the decor made
for some cool photos.
My baby sister's varying shades of hot pink
are permanent color...thinking maybe my
brother should adopt this look as well.
Loved this lacy art piece near the bar area.
And the bathroom was gorgeous.
Yes. We hung out in the bathroom.
My mom's oncologist suggested she make
the shearing of her hair a party, and though
there was at first grief and tears, it became
a joyful celebration of a new chapter.
This is another one of mom's weaves.
(You'd love her in the Jane Fonda.)
I loved helping my mom look and feel
pretty each day by doing her makeup,
preparing healthy delicious snacks,
and engaging her in sometimes nutty
conversations, sometimes deep
spiritual talk.
Cancer can steal so many things.
Boobs.
Hair.
Time.
Energy.
But it cannot steal our love.
Souls.
Gratitude.
Hope.
Beauty.
And so much more.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
for holding my family in your thoughts
and prayers and for all the birthday wishes.
Read about my BRCA journey here.
Peace to you right where you are.
*totally stole this from the witty Lynne Knowlton!
26 comments
Look at all of you! Gorgeous and so full of positive energy. Your Mom is a fighter.. you can just see it in her eyes. You are right Michele.. IT can't steal your soul and the love you have for one another. Your smiles are creating all that positive energy that your Mom needs.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to enjoy some time out for a wonderful lunch. Your Dad looks like such a sweetheart. This must be so tough on him.. There you have a REAL man.
xxL
a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteyour mum's weave looks gorgeous and natural.
she is lucky to have such an amazing family.
x
Thinking about you and what you all are going through.
ReplyDeleteLifting your momma up in prayer!
In Jesus Name I pray.
d
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteall my prayers to your mama & family! you are blesses to have such a supportive & loving family :)
ReplyDeletesuch beautiful girls...with beautiful souls...wishing your mamma a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteBec x
I love you guys...I can feel the love radiating off the computer screen. You are a beautiful family inside and out and how cute are your parents? I also love Scottsdale. Saying a special prayer for your mom to have a complete and quick recovery, I can't help but think her being surrounded by her beautiful daughters has to help in a huge way. Enjoy your visit Michele!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and touching post. It's obvious there's a lot of love in that group! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a positive and lovely outlook! You are blessed to have close family- love to you all :)
ReplyDeleteYou are all gorgeous! And your Mom...well she could definitely pass as one of the sisters!! She looks radiant and beautiful and amazingly young! It touches my heart to see a man so dedicated to his wife during a time like this, what a sweetheart you Dad must be! Prayers for your family, I know this is such a difficult time for you all. Keep up that positive outlook!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that time with your parents must'ave been, Michele! All of you blondies are just gorgeous! I could just feel the love and devotion between you all when I was looking at your photos, sweetie. Such love is a complete and total gift from God. ♥ I will lift your sweet momma up in prayer tonight for continued strength and determination! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
What a beautiful group of girls you all are! All your strength and love and laughter is surely doing your mom a world of good--you are all so lucky to have each other and even though its a difficult time its fantastic that you all made it a celebration of your time together--brava! xxBarbara
ReplyDeleteWishing your mom all the very best in her journey. Been there, done that, and as difficult as it can sometimes be, it is do-able. Having a loving and supportive family is so important, she is blessed.
ReplyDeleteMichele, What a beautiful, beautiful family. I am sure you have given your Mom and Dad so much joy throughout your life. Your Mom is such a pretty lady just like all her special girls. I must admit this post brought tears to my eyes. I am very close to my mom so I can see myself helping her with her make-up, laughing and crying together. I will be remember your Mom in my prayers and your whole family, this disease plays havoc on all who love the one with cancer. Sending you a great big hug and a prayer is being shot up right now.
ReplyDeletexo Kathysue
Michele, You and your sisters are clearly bringing the comfort and a bit of fun to your parents during this difficult time. Love the 'weaves' what a great spin. You are all lovely!! xx
ReplyDeleteHeather
What a beautiful post! First thing in the morning, it filled me with gratitude and the love for human strength. A human being is so much more than her material body-so, so much. Cancer can take our beauty away, but never the person within us or our strnegth to kick it in the arse.
ReplyDeleteIf you happen to meet her, tell her I am praying for her and that I have sent her love from India.
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeletebig hug to you.
It must be a really difficult time
for all of you.
hx
Hello sweet sweet Michele!
ReplyDeleteYou and your sisters must be the best daughters in the world. How happy your mum must be for having you all, and I hope deep in my heart that she get well really quick from this horrible disease.
All my love to you!
Love from Susanne ♥
Wow, you can't even tell that is a weave on your mom. I really like the blonde color with her complexion. Ya'll are all so cute together! I see where you got your looks, your mom is pretty! Loosing hair can be pretty traumatic. I'm so glad you were able to get through that moment... and move forward ... Phew! YAY... cool restaurant too!
ReplyDeleteCindy
This post was really touching!! What a BEAUTIFUL Mother you have - she looks amazing!! What would we do without family?! It's times like these when we learn what we're truly made of and it looks like your parents are choice! Thanks for bringing us along on your journey, I will always keep your Mom in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you Michele!!!
Des
A really beautiful and inspiring post! Love how your family is all rallying together and around her, you all look so sweet together! Glad to hear that your mom is some cancer butt!! That restaurant in AZ look pretty fab by the way!
ReplyDeletewow....it looks like you guys are making the best of a yucky situation. inspiring for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am picking up my best friend from her final reconstruction surgery this week, post her bilateral radical mastectomy this past year! I am sending healing thoughts, God bless and speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteXO karolyn
I've recently discovered your blog and while I haven't left a comment before, I keep returning because of your warmth and your humor. Plus you've got such gorgeous images here. But so do a lot of blogs. I'm always interested in the person behind the blog. And today I stumbled on this post which I found really touching. The photo of your sweet, worried Dad. And you and your sisters with all your exuberance. And your Mom. Looking like she's quite a trooper. Though I imagine the losses take a toll. I'll be saying a special prayer for your Mom today. I'm your newest follower, so nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteLeslie (aka Gwen Moss)
Your mum sounds like an amazing woman to have so many gorgeous positive people supporting her! You are an inspiration my dear, thanks for sharing these thoughtful posts and sending lots of love your way xxx
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had so much fun! What a great family to stand behind your Mom and dad like that. Hugs for you and yours! ~Angela~
ReplyDeleteYour comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.