…..“an otherwise mainstream mother and wife….transformed from a person who believed only in the visible and the proven to someone open to the idea of larger, unseen forces.”
Those words describe Hope Edelman, author of a new book, The Possibility of Everything; but they also could have described me—another skeptical Jewish girl from the east coast.
Maybe [...]
It’s just a door; a storefront in a row of shops. You’d never guess that on the other side of the door was something that could help save a life.
I first saw the blue door 13 years ago—after a year immersed in cancer—- five surgeries, two chemotherapy courses, and radiation.
Though I was done with treatment, [...]
For the children most of us know, life is easy—- at least compared to the life of a Haitian orphan or Sudanese refugee. Still, an easy life doesn’t mean an escape from emotional pain. Stuff happens, usually things parents never sign up for.
That’s what happened to a young mother whose husband is going through rigorous [...]
I realize you can’t really equate having cancer with having a baby (although they both cause you to end up sleepless)… but stick with me before you dismiss this as just a bad analogy.
Breast cancer survivors compare stories like mothers compare stories of childbirth. Instead of centimeters dilated, we talk centimeters of tumors. If you [...]
In the midst of celebrating Christmas with V’s family, I couldn’t help thinking about her— wondering how she felt giving and getting presents, when the only gift she really wants is something no one can give her.
I know what was in her heart on Christmas; and will be in her heart every day from now [...]
…..about working with the hands being the cure for the soul…. I’m revising that… after watching Curb Your Enthusiasm last night. I loved it.
If you saw the finale, you’ll get my title. Even if you didn’t, you’ll get my point.
Which is that the cure for the soul isn’t always in your hands. Sometimes it’s in [...]
Finally—it’s not about food. Though I’m writing this after spending the day in the kitchen baking ten loaves of pumpkin bread.
I used to be mystified when I’d hear people claim that baking or cooking is how they “relax.” Were they kidding? All I got out of today—-if you don’t count the calories—was what I always [...]
Enough procrastination. Monday morning is the time for starting fresh. I’m determined to get to the gym and work out.
I rush out of the house with my arms full—balancing a cup of coffee without a lid. Plus I’m slightly disoriented; today I’m driving V’s car. In my car, no one would ever notice a coffee [...]
I’m on a plane writing this. I used to love flying and then when I became a mother I suddenly became terrified to fly alone in case of a crash leaving my kids motherless. So for the first 8 years I had kids, I never got on a plane without them.
Once I got cancer [...]
Celebration of life. Over the last 24 hours, that phrase took on a mixed meaning—with some common themes: 60 years. Old friends and new, coming together. Lots of connecting, lots of hugging, lots of stories. Homemade desserts.
My marathon birthday reached a crescendo last night at my friend Jane’s house. I was surrounded by friends; [...]
