My sweet Marshall turns five today. Time just goes by too quickly for this aunt...I've been blessed to be a part of Marshall's life. I don't think I've gone more than six weeks at a time of not seeing him his whole life. I talk to him almost every day and he always asks me, "How doing?". I'm fine, Marshby, but I'm better when I'm with you. I love you to pieces, sweet boy. My love for you is stronger than you will ever know. I can't wait to watch you grow up and be the man I know you will become.
I've always believed certain people come into our lives at certain times and for certain reasons. Evidence of this to me is in my new friend, and hero, Tammie. When I went in for the mammogram that eventually helped diagnose me with bilateral breast cancer, Tammie was there. (She's actually the Supervisor, but was helping out that day doing the tests.) And Tammie has been with me every step of this journey. She's offered support, opinions, resources, you name it and Tammie is willing to help me get it. She was by my side before and after surgery and came with me to the meeting with the oncologist where we made the decision to proceed with the double mastectomy and reconstruction. Tammie's strength, humor and compassion have been constant sources of strength for me and I am eternally grateful that she is now in my life. Someday, I hope to "pay it forward" and pass along all that Tammie has taught me and continues to teach me everyday.
Tammie is a five year breast cancer survivor herself ... part of why I admire her and trust her so much. She's been where I am and is helping me get to where she is. Life is a journey ... look for the butterflies and dragonflies along the way. 
These two pictures are honoring a good friend of mine, Jill. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks after I was. Five weeks ago she underwent a double mastectomy and will soon be beginning chemo. Jill is so strong, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. We joke that we are "warriors" in this battle, but I have to tell you that her strength is part of what allows me to be a warrior with her. I encourage you to check out her blog (www.blogforacure.com ... she is listed as parkerfu). Check it out!
Six short years ago today, I stood in the delivery room in Billings, Montana and watched as my older sister, Caren, gave birth to sweet 
Callum James. Nana and I both exclaimed upon seeing his face, "It's Mitchell!" (Mitchell is Callum's older brother, whom Callum, as an infant and toddler, looked just like.)
Cal-bell, as we call him, is the sweetest little man, full of character, charm and a bit of mischievousness about him. Callum is protective, loving, cuddly, and smart. He is all boy and will always find something to get into (usually bringing along his side-kick little sister). He has been attached to the hip to his little sister, Brownyn, since the day she was born. When Bronwyn was an infant, and Callum himself ony 18 months old, he would climb into Bronwyn's crib and the two of them would sleep side by side every night. They still share a room, and most nights, the same bed. Callum is such a good big brother.
I'd be lost without my sweet six year old Cal-bell. My heart wouldn't be complete. This proud Aunt can't wait to see Callum continue to grow and shine. How I love that boy!
The year 1998 was not one of the brightest of my life. Divorce and the death of my beloved grandmother made that summer a test of my strength. Yet, that summer also brought me one of the greatest blessings in my life...my nephew Mitchell. He became the shining light for me that summer and has continued blessing my life with his sweet spirit. He loves to cuddle with his aunt and boy, does that make his aunt happy. Today, on your 11th birthday, I thank YOU for being one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given. I love you sweet boy.
Peace means different things to different people. I love this picture of Carson because to me it shows him "at peace". He's usually running around non-stop (often right into walls), but for a few brief moments that afternoon, he just plopped himself on the grass and watched his brothers and cousins play in the pool. One can only imagine what was running through his little mind right then...
But like I said, peace is defined differently by everyone. To me, on this day in August, it means being at peace with my decision to undergo a double mastectomy (with reconstruction) to help rid my body of bilateral breast cancer. It's been a long journey thus far and though I have a long road ahead of me, I feel peace right now. I feel I've made the right decision, have incredible support and encouragement from my family and friends, and know that by making this difficult choice, I will increase my odds of being around a long, long time from now ... hopefully long enough to see Carson's kids someday resting peacefully on the grass one summer afternoon.
On the inside of my right wrist I have a tattoo of the Celtic sisterhood knot (a tribute to my Celtic heritage and my sisters). The words around the knot read "near or apart, always in the heart". Well, during the week the family was together a short while ago, my sweat-pea (aka Bronwyn, 4, pictured here with me) was quite intrigued by this tattoo. She asked me many times during each day what it said. I showed her each word and told her what it meant. When I hugged her goodbye I asked her "where will you be, sweat pea?". "In your heart," she answered. Forever and always, no matter what.
I must be getting old. My "first" nephew, Andrew, turns 13 today. A teenager! I remember just like yesterday the first time I saw him. He was barely 24 hours old and was the tiniest little baby I had ever seen. Scrawny, long legs and tiny fingers. And now, 13 years later, he is almost as tall as me and definitely stronger than me. But how I love this young man. I may not have given birth to him or be raising him, but he does have my heart wrapped around his little finger. Happy Birthday, Andrew. Your aunt is so proud of you and loves you to pieces!
For those of you who have not been caught up to date, things have been a little chaotic in my life over the past six weeks. June 1st marked a day I'll never forget. I found a lump. After multiple mammograms, biopsies and tests, it was determined I had breast cancer in both breasts. Two weeks ago yesterday, I underwent surgery for a double lumpectomy. I will undergo radiation and drug therapy and hopefully will become a long time breast cancer survivor.
The photo here is of my wonderful family of friends with whom I work. They each wore a pink-ribbon HOPE shirt on my surgery day. I have been humbled, blessed and extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful friends and family members who have showered me with love and support during this struggle. I met some wonderful people through this unfortunate event, but their presence in my life is now a blessing. I could not have made it through surgery and recovery if not for my incredible family and friends. So, thank you.
I encourage every woman to get regular mammograms. I'm only 34 years old and have bi-lateral breast cancer. It really CAN happen to anyone. Don't wait! And.... support finding a cure for breast cancer!
So, after lengthy online searches, I finally found the photo of my grandparents taken back in 1996 (by A. Myers). This photo was taken as a tribute to breast cancer survivors in San Diego. My grandma, Dora, was for quite some time, the longest living breast cancer survivor in San Diego County. I am amazed and inspired by her strength and determination. She remains my hero. (To the nurses (Tammie & crew), you are making such a positive difference in the lives of so many women. My heart is touched by your humor, kindness, compassion and devotion to all those who walk through your office doors. You are now added to my list of heroes.)
Okay, okay, I know...it's only pre-school graduation. Not like he's graduating from Stanford or something. But still, he's growing up way too quickly for his auntie's liking. I asked him on the phone, "What did you do at graduation?" His reply, "I did everything. I worked so hard. I can't even tell you." I kid you not.
Congratulations, ladies, on your big day! High school graduation is a big step into the fast lane of life. With your intelligence, energy, dedication and kind hearts, you will each change the world! Cherish today!
Finally found a spare moment to look over some of the photos taken during last weekend's trip to Utah. I just love this one of Marshall and me. How could I not? I mean, hugs from Marshall are about as good as it gets. I just look at this picture and remember his tiny little arms around me and I feel happy. Content. Loved. Love you Marshby!
Three girls have never been so lucky as to have such a wonderful and loving mother. We love you, Mom!
Look how big Charlie is getting?! He is walking all over the place and is just too cute for words. My two sisters and I were able to spend the weekend together in Utah as a surprise birthday weekend for mom. It was so much fun being together. There is nothing like the love of a sister.
I spent four days in Montana recently with my sister and her family. I last saw the kids at Christmas and wow, they have grown so much in just four months! Here's a photo of them as we hung around outside in the back yard Monday night, working in the garden and building a bonfire. It was freezing cold, but we had a blast! Good memories for the kids .... and their aunt.
Caroline made her first visit to Sutter Printing. Isn't she adorable?! Dan & Heather have beautiful kids!
Just a note of congratulations to Julia for her promotion to Deputy Director at RHA! It's about time they recognized you "officially" for all you do. You are truly THE best and now everyone will get to see you in action! I'm so proud of you.
I've nicknamed her Wonder Woman because, well, she IS! I am constantly in pure awe of all that Julia does and what she is. She is the most kind, generous, successful, intelligent, funny and just all around amazing person I know. I am blessed to have Julia and her family in my life and to be able to share in their lives.
Seriously!
Going through some old photos, I found this old photo of Andrew from about five years ago. Isn't he handsome?! I just can't believe how quickly the time goes by...
Nana bought this little rocking horse (that makes giddy-up sounds) when Marshall was only 18 months old. Now, three years later, little brother Charlie is getting his kicks out of Rusty, too. So darned cute!(Seinfeld junkies will catch the name reference! Beef-a-reeno!)
So, most of you know I'm a big believer that friends are the family you create for yourself. I'm blessed to have many great friends who share the lives of their children with me. I get to be an "honorary auntie" to so many adorable, special young children.
Here's a photo of two such children. Lewis will be three in July and here he is showing off his new little sister, Caroline, who is just three weeks old now. Are they both not just absolutely precious?!
Not a good picture of me, I know, but I love that sweet Carson has his arms wrapped around me in a big hug. It's moments like that that put life in perspective. Isn't it amazing that a hug from a sweet young boy like Car-car can melt your heart? Aunt Ree loves you, Car-car!
Marshall got a new hat from Nana. He's such a big boy now. He learned how to do jumping jacks this week in school. (Well, he has his own "variation" of jumping jacks!)
This is my beautiful mother. Just felt like showing the world how lucky my sisters and I are to have this lady as our beloved mother. We were raised in a strict, yet loving home and are grateful for her strength, example and love. (We love her Scottish accent, too!) Love you mom!
Spent last weekend in Utah with the family and was so happy to see the boys again! Marshall is four going on 24, Carson is just happy to be there (he said to me in the car, "I love you .... like a monkey!"), and Charlie is walking all over the place. Charlie laughed for fifteen minutes while sitting in his high chair. Why? Because his two big brothers were throwing food at him. Welcome to the world of having big brothers, little Charlie!
Happy Birthday, Joey! It's hard to believe you are already turning three! It seems like just yesterday I visited you in the hospital just hours after you were born. You were so tiny, so cute and so precious. And while you have grown a bit, you are just as cute and precious today. I love you, Joey! With special love from (your honorary auntie) Cherí...
This is a picture of Joey taken on Valentine's Day 2009 at the beach in San Francisco. Isn't he handsome?!We had a blast that day! We went to Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the beach, the aquarium, and had dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. What a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day: with the friends I love so much!PS: I asked Joey, "Say I love you!" ... he replied, "I love you, too!" Precious.
Yesterday was Charlie's first birthday! I can't believe how fast time flies! Charlie is walking and eating solid food. I love you Charlie barley!
This is one of my favorite pictures of little Charlie. He turns one in February and I'm in awe of just how quickly time passes. Enjoy every second of every day with the ones you love...Appropriate photo, don't you think, seeing as Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday?! In honor of my little sister, I say, GO ARIZONA!
I can't believe my oldest nephew (Andrew, 12) is almost taller than me, stronger than me and knows a whole lot more than me already! Where does the time go?
I promise you he wasn't being hurt! Callum was just SO tired when his daddy cut his hair. He was fine five minutes later when Auntie Cherí got him with the "tickle rope"!
Spent ten days in Montana over the Christmas break. It was a perfect vacation ... tons of snow, cold weather, family, good food, etc. There's nothing better than being surrounded by my family.
