You are braver than you believe, smarter than you seem, and stronger than you think. Winnie-the-Pooh Thanksgiving morning we sat cuddled up on the couch watching the parade. The turkey was in the oven cooking, I was still cozy in my jammies with fresh coffee in hand, and my girls were all around me. Thankful. In years past I remember …

You do not get to choose the events that come your way nor the sorrows that interrupt your life. They will likely be a surprise to you, catching you off guard and unprepared. You may hold your head in your hands and lament your weak condition and wonder what you ought to do. To suffer, that is common to all. …

The Netflix hit with the cult following Stranger Things has become an excellent distraction over the past two weeks. Tuesday night I needed just that as the start of Lea’s clinical trial was looming the next morning. With only two episodes to go on season one (yes, I am late to the game) I cozied up on the coach with a …

Lea dripped ice cream over my bright white duvet cover months ago during one of our many middle of the night steroid feeds. Back when she still needed ice cream to get the four small white pills down. Back when this was all fresh and new, but no less scary than it is today. Back when we didn’t have an …

Disclosure: This blog was written from a time when I “go dark” as I call it. A time where it is hard for me to find joy and happiness and sorrow seems to swallow me whole. Some stories are shared from a place of joy and light, but this post is not one of them.  When we moved into our …

The Bob Marley Pandora station plays through the speakers of our white rental car, as we drive down 5th avenue in our favorite place, Naples, Florida. “What song is this?” Keira asks, as she always does with her curious three year old mind. “A lie” I mutter, just loud enough for Mike to hear and respond with a comment. The song …

I walked down the stairs and found my mom curled up in the chair of our living room, as I usually do on weekday mornings. This morning I could tell something was different. “Grandma died last night.” We all knew this was coming, it was no shock or surprise, but I still shed tears for a woman I have known …

Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.  -Bernard Williams What is happening around the world seems to match what is happening in our own lives. At times you feel hopeless, the darkness and sadness seems to swallow you whole, and you mourn the loss. This post is not about the mourning or the tears, but about …

The Smilow Cancer Hospital Radiation department has the biggest fish tank in the hospital. I wish I was still blissfully unaware of this “fun fact” but the truth is, I see this fish tank five days a week. Today is not a good day for me and I wish I could trade places with the fish I am gazing at …