Category: Cancer

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the word, “Pedigree.” I think that’s a dog food, right? So it should never be used to describe me or my family. Right? Wrong. I’ll get to my personal pedigree in a moment, but first…

When I was a little girl, my dad would breed dogs. Since Golden Retrievers can pass down hereditary ... Read More


Nurse Holly has pronounced me full! I’m done with my weekly escapades to Columbus until I meet with the surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon again on December 2nd. That means no more day-long coffee dates with my ride-along girlfriends, no more stops at the gluten-free but not glutton-free bakery, and no more Target. Ahhh…. Target. We’ve been such good ... Read More


I keep getting asked the same question. It’s totally awesome and becoming totally weird. In private conversations, after speaking functions, even during media interviews– when I talk about life or kindness or breast cancer, the same question keeps coming back to me: Where do you get your joy?

It’s like God is giving me lots of chances to answer the ... Read More


The people who deserve my kindness the most often see it the least. That’s why I’m showing you this.

It looks a lot like the brand new, just released, my son could not wait to read, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, right? It’s not. It’s a peace offering.

I ordered this book for Charlie several months ago knowing that ... Read More


By the time I got home from church on Sunday, my husband and son had every bin of Christmas decor pulled from the top shelf of the garage and set on the living room floor.

I was touched. Normally, I sort of sneak everything down while Saul is at work. My husband then comes home and good-naturedly rolls his eyes, saying ... Read More


Last night, Saul and I did something we’ve never done before… get your mind out of the gutter. This is a family blog.

We got a babysitter, got all dressed up, and went to The Pink Tie Affair, which was put on by the Ohio University Interfraternity Council. They served us dinner, made us feel like total celebrities, and then invited ... Read More


I need to tell you something. You are more than you think you are– and you are good. Whatever you think about yourself that doesn’t line up with complete awesomeness, simply isn’t true, so stop beating yourself up.

I get the feeling we (or maybe it’s just me!) are spending too much time and energy wishing we could be better, be ... Read More


There was a tidal wave building up inside of me and I was powerless to hold it in. As much as I hate to cry in public, I couldn’t stop the tears. I’ll blame it on that blond lady with the voice like an angel who started singing “Amazing Grace” at the end of the church service. Yep, I’m pretty ... Read More


There are days I simply should not be let out of the house. Today seems to be one of those days. It’s like I’m inside the mind of my dog. One moment I’m focused on the task at hand, and then all of a sudden – SQUIRREL! This is really only a bad thing when it affects my mouth, when ... Read More


I blew it. I was on a radio show Monday morning and now, two days later, I am still wrestling with something I said. Has that ever happened to you? Something comes out of your mouth that was okay, but it wasn’t exactly what you meant to say? I want a do-over. Let me see if I can say it ... Read More