When I was 38 years old I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction. During this process I had the support of wonderful friends and family, a terrific husband and the care of the best medical staff but my biggest fear was wondering if I would be around to watch my little girl grow up.
At the time of my diagnosis, my daughter was only 8 years old but I quickly found out that she was brave beyond her years. She went to every doctor's appointment with me and was there at the hospital waiting for me with her beautiful smile after every surgery. She was the one who was always supporting and encouraging me when it should have been the other way around.
Now 10 years later, my daughter just graduated from high school (with High Honors!) and will soon be leaving for college and I am cancer free! She plans on becoming a doctor and I can't help but think that maybe her experiences with me had a little to do with her desire to help others. No matter what, I know that she will achieve whatever goals she sets in her life because she is such a special person. In my daughters yearbook she cited this quote: "It is not the number of breaths that you take but the number of moments that take your breath away," and this tells a lot about her character.
I would like to thank everyone who has always been there for me but to especially thank my daughter for always being there, for staying true to herself, and for being such a beautiful, strong woman. I also want her to know that I too will always be there for her no matter what.
Love,
Mom
Ocala, FL
