Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Special Pink Saturday!



Welcome to Unshelved Words on this very special Pink Saturday!  Beverly, our gracious Pink Saturday hostess is featuring my little corner of blogland this week.  Thank you so much Beverly for shining the spotlight here.  I am humbled.

The picture which you see on this post needs no introduction; however, until an individual has been touched by breast cancer either personally or through the illness of a loved one, the pretty pink ribbon's poignancy is seldom grasped.  This week marked the 10th anniversary of my best friend's passing.  Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 1997.  She underwent a masectomy, chemo, and radiation.   It looked like the dreaded "C" was gone.  She lived a wonderful eighteen months savoring so many simple things in life that were no longer taken for granted.  Then in December, 1999, she came to my annual Christmas party for the girls, and she was in horrible pain.  Throughout the evening she would wince in the chair where she was sitting, but not once did she complain.  Within two weeks, she was diagnosed as "terminal."  All 105 pounds of my dear friend rose to the occasion.  She put up a hell of a fight wanting to live for Dawn,  her only daughter.  She faced the final battle on August 23, 2000.  On that Wednesday evening around 6:15 p.m. she left us....and she left us wondering why there is no cure for breast cancer.  Lynn was an inspiration throughout her illness.  She always said that she was not angry.  There were many others fighting for their life, too.  She never asked "Why me, Lord?"  She never gave up hope!

I tell you this story because, in addition to celebrating Pink Saturday, we are celebrating with Kelee at The Katillac Shack for Colette, a cancer survivor.  Colette received a "Miracle Makeover" by Guidepost magazine.  I celebrate Colette's triumph over cancer, and I am ecstatic over her "makeover."  I share the link for you to visit Colette because my friend's death should not be in vain.  Each time someone survives breast cancer,  we should all celebrate!   You can visit The Katillac Shack and read Colette's "miracle story" by clicking here.  To visit fellow Happy Pink Saturday bloggers, visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.  HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

17 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

This was an incredible story about an incredible woman. I often hear about strong people like your dear friend Lynn who never question why...I am in awe of her and others like Lynn who stay strong and inspire others with their hope and spirit.

Blessings and best wishes,
Natasha.

LV said...

So many sad stories involving all illnesses, but cancer seems the worst. I cannot understand after all these years they cannot find a cure. Blessings to you.

Kelee Katillac said...

Gypsy! Thank-you for sharing about Lynne. The one little nugget in our illnesses is that we become awake to life. Savoring everyday. So many time we get caught in the malaise of living --isn't interesting that we began to live in becoming ill?

I so appreciate this heartfelt post. Thankful you are on the Miracle Team!

love, kelee

suesueb said...

Sending prayers for you for the loss of your friend. So many of us have been touched by this dreaded disease! I lost a sister 2 years ago at the age of 47. She fought hard against time but always accepted the fact that she would have to go before she really wanted to. God Bless all who battle!! suesue

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

This is a wonderful post and tribute to your friend.

You would think by now we would have a handle on cancer and on some of the other terrible diseases. It is sad that we do not and we can only hope and pray that soon there will be the answers we need so badly.
Hugs,
Jil
xo

Beverly said...

Happy Pink Saturday, Marilyn. Thank you for making every Pink Saturday special, and for taking part in this day of celebration and thanks. I hope you enjoyed being one of the featured participants.

There truly are miracles going on all around us every day. We just have to open our hearts in acceptance.

Thank you for sharing your dear friend with us. I pray every day that a cure will be found for all cancers. There are so many that have dedicated there lives toward this goal.

viridian said...

My family has not been touched by breast cancer - not yet. But by other cancers.

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Thank you for sharing the story of your friend's miracle of life. Though she lost her battle with cancer, it really is a story of hope and love.
Blessings to you today and every day!
Love,
Coralie

Unknown said...

I totally understand and I know how heartbreaking it can be to lose your best friend, she lost her fight in October of 1999 and I miss her dearly! The post I shared today is very different as it is a Happy post, I decided some happiness needed to be shared amongst our tears and shared losses as I have had my share of sadness and try to move forward on the Happy gifts of life, your sorry is beautiful and similar to my friends and I hope you will stop by to see some Happy within the struggles of life. Hugs and Blessings to you and Happy Pink Saturday!

Valrie said...

I am so touched by your driend's story. I too am a breast cancer survivor but I believe God healed me.

I have so many miracles to thank God for. Please stop by for a visit this weekend and share a comment on my post for a slot in the giveaway!

My miracle poem is I Believe

Valrie
http://poemsmyway-valrie.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

When you remember your friend and share her story you are continuing her fight. She is an inspiration and an example of dignity and grace without just accepting without a fight.

NanE said...

Thank you for sharing the story of your friend Lynn and her struggle. I am sorry you lost her to this horrible demon. Blessings, Nan

Cathy said...

I lost a loved one to cancer too. Thanks for sharing the story about your friend.

Anonymous said...

We MUST find a cure. That terrible disease has claimed too many lives and close friends of my own as well. Thank you for sharing your dear friends story...Marcia

JEANNE said...

Thank you for sharing your story about dear friend. This weeks posts have us in tears at times but the stories are a reminder that we MUST have checkups on a regular basis.

Guidepost is awesome for co-sponsoring this wonderful story of Collette's story. I needed a tissue when I saw her face at the wonderful bedroom makeover reveal. Kelee's angel is beautiful and so is the bedroom. She is a beautiful caring person and the video of the makeover is so heartwarming. God's work is very real when you see all of the volunteers working so hard to help a person who needs inspiration, hope and love. I am humbled by the work of this group of caring individuals and Guide Post's part in this awesome story.

Blessings and hugs, Jeanne

Ann said...

How inspiring. I never dreamed of using the pink ribbon----how wonderful. My sister is a Nurse Practicioner specializing in Breast Cancer and I feel so fortunate there are women out there are FIGHTING to find a cure and help woment through this ordeal. Happy Miracle Weekend to you.
Ann

Mermaids of the Lake said...

What a story. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I too, am missing a dear friend due to Breast Cancer. I celebrate every woman who has faced this and won and I celebrate the lives of those who have not. Thank you for sharing your story of your dear friend.