You never think it will be you. You go about your days making plans, imagining futures, dreaming ordinary dreams. Life feels steady, predictable. And then it isn’t. One phone call. One scan. One… Continue reading
In 1948, two French scientists noticed something unexpected in their lab samples: fragments of DNA drifting in blood plasma. At the time, the discovery seemed trivial, even puzzling. DNA, after all, was supposed… Continue reading
You’ve likely heard people talk about “chemo brain”—or maybe you’ve even felt it yourself. It’s that foggy sensation that can make it tough to find the right word, recall a friend’s name, or… Continue reading
So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance. – Jane Hirshfield “The Weighing” I’ve been reflecting on these lines from Jane Hirshfield’s poem The Weighing and how its… Continue reading
In many cultures, greetings are often seen as polite and routine exchanges. However, in some Muslim cultures, there exists a profound dimension to these everyday interactions. When someone asks, “How are you?” in… Continue reading
I discovered that today, September 16th is ‘Tattoo Story Day’. While I am not sure if this is a day that’s universally marked, it gives me the prompt I need to tell the… Continue reading
Checking my August Awareness Day Calendar, I discovered that today, August 30th is designated as Grief Awareness Day. Sometimes I feel we are awash with grief in our community. Not just in our… Continue reading
Are you looking for a new job after cancer treatment? Perhaps you left your last employment after your diagnosis, or maybe you are still in your current job but want a fresh start… Continue reading
“In a society which is much more inclined to help you hide your pain rather than to grow through it, is necessary to make a very conscious effort to mourn.” – Henri Nouwen Grief… Continue reading
T for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just […]
The Thing Is to love life, to love it evenwhen you have no stomach for itand everything you’ve held dearcrumbles like burnt paper in your hands,your throat filled with the silt of it.When… Continue reading
The Butterfly Effect For Marie Ennis O’Connor So close and still Quietly far away From the company Who chose you The day you heard The word we all Heard. Echoes In a canyon… Continue reading
26 posts. 26 days. 26 letters of the alphabet, one blog post beginning with each letter. H is for Hair I started this blog a few years after my breast cancer diagnosis and… Continue reading
Laughter can do as much good for your body as a jog around the park, scientists in California have claimed. Doctors describe “mirthful laughter” as “internal jogging” because it can lower blood pressure, reduce… Continue reading
I am a big fan of couscous for its convenience – the quick-cook couscous just involves soaking or simmering the couscous in boiling water for about ten minutes to rehydrate it. Couscous is… Continue reading
Today I would like to share this short reflection adapted from Ralph Marston on being fully alive to the beauty of the present moment. The beauty of life is in the living of it. And… Continue reading
I got some nice news today. Recently Beliefnet invited readers to submit a story of renewal in their spring contest and I am delighted to say that my entry, The Spring Rains Will Come Again,… Continue reading
Fashion store Fran & Jane will be hosting a London Tea Party in Douglas & Kaldi, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, on Wednesday April 28. Spot prizes available on the night include a… Continue reading
I have been a regular reader of the Cary Tennis advice columns on Salon.com and have always enjoyed his wise and witty columns. He is currently on leave while he recovers from cancer… Continue reading
Today’s recipe of baked tomatoes stuffed with quinoa makes a tasty supper dish. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is simply bursting with vitamin B and iron and is a wonderful grain as it contains all 8 essential amino… Continue reading
A breast cancer diagnosis at age forty-six inspired a churchgoing suburban soccer mom to make her biggest dream come true: becoming a real-life Nancy Drew. I loved the responses I got to last… Continue reading
