Checking in: life goes on

Chrissy and I made these Panda cupcakes for her slumber party on Friday. She did most of the work, basing the design on something she saw on the Internet. Very talented young lady!

Hi everyone! I want to thank all of you for your wonderful words of support regarding the passing of my brother. I feel so surrounded by love and understanding. It has been a crazy time, planning for his memorial service while making sure my mom gets the support she needs. In the meantime, I had two birthdays to celebrate: my daughter Chrissy who is officially a teen now, and my husband Mike. Our house was invaded by a group of giggling girls for a sleepover on Friday, ever reminding me that life goes on.

It is amazing how a death of a loved one brings about breakthrough changes. I’ve learned so much these past days about patience, compassion and how to balance it all with the over-riding need to take care of myself. I have learned to set boundaries with love and that even people closest to me have limits. That is why community is so important. One person cannot shoulder it all.

I have a very busy time coming up. I can’t believe in a week I’ll be in Florida to take part in the Annie Appleseed conference on complimentary and alternative cancer therapies. In less than a month (March 17), I’ll host a Cincinnati book signing, and I’m already planning speaking engagements in May. I had an invigorating conversation yesterday with an amazing cancer thriver/survivor who is organizing a conference for cutaneous lymphoma patients and physicians in Columbus, in which I’ll be speaking. I’m going to post about her, their organization and this little-known and often misdiagnosed disease in the near future. I’m hoping to meet/see some of you along the way!

I feel like I’m in the eye of the storm, but today I feel at peace. I know that my brother is in a better place and is probably partying with the beautiful angels and having all of his life desires fulfilled. He is free of his burdens, and I feel grateful we’ll be able to honor his life in the coming months. Thanks again for your prayers and love.

- Tami