With my head almost full of foil, a young, joyful, short-haired woman enters the room and asks to photograph my stylist. She apologizes for the interruption and announces that the picture is necessary ... she is six months out of treatment and wants to document everyone that was a part of her journey. Of course, my ears perk up ...
Her name is Dana and she just recently completed treatment for breast cancer. She is 34 years old.
At that point, with a little help from Brittany, I tell her about my recent diagnosis. We begin talking and sharing information with one another. As I explain the specifics about my type of breast cancer, triple-negative, the young woman sitting next to Dana raises her hand ...
Her name is Mary Ann and she is a three-year, triple-negative breast cancer survivor. She was 40 at the time of her diagnosis.
From that point on, the conversation was ... well ... just what I needed! Perhaps it wasn't the "usual" salon chit-chat, but I loved every minute of it! We talked about treatment plans, chemotherapy, mastectomies, medication ... we covered almost all things breast cancer related in just a short amount of time ... and I took it all in!
As I sat in that room, talking that talk ... I took a moment to look around. There were only six women sitting at that table ... and three of our lives have been forever changed by breast cancer ... 50% ... there are just no words ...
So, for me, this morning was far more than a routine hair appointment. I truly believe I found my way around that table for a reason. The two women I met are fighters ... and survivors ... and I needed to see, with my own eyes, that it is ABSOLUTELY possible!
Thank you, Dana and Mary Ann, for the conversation ... and for providing me strength and encouragement ...
Dana, Mary Ann, Me
7 comments:
Absolutely incredible! See, someone up there is definitely looking out for you. I love you.
Mom
Wow! I got chills just now from reading that! That is awesome and definitely a God encounter that he created just for you!!
Wow! Our Father works in mysterious ways.. Your paths crossing was no accident. Now you have two new friends that you can converse with. This must have given you a great since of peace and reassurance. You are so blessed. Love the foil hairdo.
It was great to see you tonight, Jill. You look fabulous, new highligts and all...but more than your hair was your smile and your company, that is what I enjoyed the most! I am happy you have found two more woman to celebrate your victory over breast cancer with! Enjoy your day....
Love,
Kelly
Strength is provided, even when we can't comprehend the "how" or "why" of things in life.
Wonderful for you that you had this uplifting time with others who have walked the path you are currently walking.
Stay strong.
You are doing GREAT!
Angels in your path....
Jill,
All I can say as I read this that God knew you needed to hear that you aren't alone and that day was not just a coincidence that 2 other "young" women are cancer survivors. God wants you to know that He is with you every step of the way and that you will be OK. I know that deep in my heart.
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