Tag: breast cancer

Each one of us has a story

Why would I even bother to tell mine? That’s the million dollar question. Honestly, if it were just about me or even my husband, I wouldn’t. But it’s not about us. It’s about you. And your girlfriends. And your sisters. And maybe even your mother. I want to share my experience, the whole experience, with ... Read More

I used to make my family very nervous. (Let’s be honest, I probably still do.)

I’d walk in the room and declare, “I’m going to win the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes!” Then for about two weeks I’d carry on and speak as if it were already a done deal.

It never was a done deal. I never ... Read More


I slipped my hand into my husband’s and whispered, “You don’t need to say anything. Just stand here with me. I’m scared.”

He knew exactly what I was talking about. Despite being in a gym crowded with youthful basketball players and their excited parents and grandparents, it felt like it was just the two of us. A united front. Ready to ... Read More


I’m not above bribery.

This morning I woke up to find a note next to my computer:

“MOM

When I wake up ask me about Psalm 23. I know it but I will forget to do it for you if you don’t remind me.”

I have three children, but the one who left this note didn’t need to sign it. He knows ... Read More


When my kids were little, they always wanted to talk to me while I was in the bathroom. In the shower or on the throne, it seemed their most pressing questions came when I was a bit indisposed.

These days, I’d live in the bathroom if it meant my kids would voluntarily come talk to me.

They are so busy (I hate ... Read More


Sometimes it feels like we’re on the same team and sometimes it feels like we’re not even playing the same sport. Have you ever felt that way with people? I know I have.

Whether it’s a playful difference of opinion or a deeply rooted divergence in values, I hope at the end of the day, we can say we loved people ... Read More


Did you know Outback Steakhouse has a gluten-free brownie they serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream covered with hot chocolate sauce, whipped cream and slices of deep rich chocolate?

The closest to Aberdeen is three hours away, so when I saw one next to my hotel last night, I was totally in.

Actually I was out. Meaning I ... Read More


I’m pretty sure my new neighbors think I’m crazy. We had a nice weekend by South Dakota standards so I decided it would be a great time to put up Christmas lights. You know, just get them set up so we’re ready to turn them on in a month or two.

The first clue I was up to something suspicious ... Read More


Four years ago in July, I had a breast removed. The diagnosis was stage 2 lobular carcinoma. To you and me, that simply means breast cancer.

It seems like a lifetime ago, but if you bring it up to my family, they still have a lot to say about that time. And you know what? It’s not all bad.

My daughter, Jordan, ... Read More


My husband and I drove the 90 minutes to the cancer center with no idea what to expect. We knew they were going to confirm I had breast cancer, but beyond that, we were clueless.

I wore the white and pink robe around the facility from machine to machine, doctor to doctor, until I got to the last room of the ... Read More