EASTER WEEK FAMILY TIME

We felt truly blessed to spend time with family during Easter Week! Alex drove down from Knoxville on Good Friday, and we enjoyed chatting, laughing, and going out to dinner together. Then, on Saturday, we drove to Gainesville, GA, where we checked into the perfect Airbnb!

Strawberry Margarita

Alex at Jersey Peach

 

On Saturday afternoon, Nick and Alison arrived after a long drive from their home in Massachusetts. They stopped to visit Alison's brother and his family in North Carolina before continuing their journey to Georgia. We were so happy to see them both, since we had not seen them since their wedding last April!

April 13, 2024-Such a beautiful day! 

We were thrilled to have our sons, Conor and Robert, along with our wonderful daughter-in-law, Jennifer, Robert's wife, join us on Sunday for a fantastic family day together!

Jen, Pam, Alison

Jen, Robert, Nick, Alison

Conor

Conor, Alison

Jen, Robert

Alex, Alison

Alex

We spent so much quality time together, eating and drinking a lot! 

We played RummiCube, Scattergories, Phase 10, and other fun games!

Later in the week, we walked on the trails right across the street from the Airbnb.

View of the covered bridge from our house.

Nick and Alison

One evening, Ray, Alex, Conor, and I walked to the nearby lake.

Our time together flew by far too quickly, but it was truly wonderful, filled with laughter, a bit of craziness, and a whole lot of love!

MILESTONES IN THE JOURNEY

On April 7th, I celebrated a special milestone: eight years since my mastectomy. This day was filled with mixed emotions as I reflected on the anxieties of the uncertainties I faced in the past and those I still encounter today. However, my gratitude for this incredible journey far outweighs those feelings.

My breast cancer journey began a few months before my mastectomy. I was diagnosed in early October and underwent several months of chemotherapy before the surgery. By April 2017, I was ready to take that next step, though it was a terrifying prospect.

I made it through the surgery with flying colors!

Each year has brought its own challenges and victories, and I have learned to truly embrace the strength I have gained along the way. I recognize that I would not have come this far without the unwavering love and support of my family and friends; they have been my rock throughout this journey. 

As I reflect on this experience, I am struck by the range of emotions I can feel at once. It serves as a reminder of how far I have come and the importance of every step I have taken.