Dee Anna

October was Breast Cancer awareness month and I wanted to share a story of a recent instant friend, Dee Anna. Early this October, Riley, McKatelyn and I were painting our new Tuff Shed in the back left corner of our yard, when I heard someone over the fence call out to me. She said, "Just wanted you to know who your new neighbor was and to not be alarmed or worry if we saw a bald 'man' in her backyard because it was just her." I instantly liked that about her, that she could have a sense of humor, even though she was going through cancer treatment. She introduced herself to us as Dee Anna and we all told her our names. Also the kids revealed their ages upon request for Dee Anna and told about their little brother, Jakub, who was taking a nap at the time and his age also. She wore a purple bandana at the time and kept re-adjusting it as we talked over the fence. (On a side note: That morning I had just seen a cute pink baseball style hat at Bi-mart before meeting my neighbor with cancer, and I almost bought it but didn't, because I already have a fun pink baseball style hat that I wear a lot. I automatically thought of Dee Anna and knew I wanted to go back to Bi-mart and get it for her!)

As we talked, I was amazed at how positive she was and how much hope she still had of kicking this cancer even though the cancer had moved from breast to lung cancer and now terminal. She said, "The doctors have only given me up to three years to live, but I am shotting for 30!" It was inspiring to see someone have that much hope and courage while fighting this disease!

Our church was having their annual Women's Jubilee that weekend, which is open to all women in the area, so I invited her to come and she said "yes". I was so excited because I thought it would be great for her to get out when she was feeling good, before another round of kemo she had to go through, which her body is actually allergic to, but the doctors still think she should take it. ???

The next day, after our first meeting, the kids and I bought and took over the cute pink, Breast Cancer-ribbon hat in a reusable Breast Cancer awareness shopping bag from Fred Meyers. We also included some pink pocket tissues and some inspirational Dove chocolates about keeping the faith and hope for a cure. McKatelyn asked to give it to her but got too shy to say what she wanted to tell her which was, "I hope this helps you fight cancer better." Dee Anna invited us in and when handed the gift she asked what it was for and since McKatelyn didn't say anything, I said, "Just wanted you to have somethings to help you get through this next set of chemo treatments you are going to have to indure." We made her open it immediately and she instantly put on the hat. It looked so good on her and just warmed my heart to see her in it with a big smile.

Even though she is pushing 50, I felt a connection to her right from the start because of her sense of humor, her positive out-look on life, also being a believer in Jesus Christ, a fellow scrapoholic, and ability to be flexible, whatever comes her way. She said that after meeting me the day before, she told someone, "I think I just met my new best friend!" I was so humbled and almost started crying right there on the spot!

Before we left I told her about my idea to honor her and her life on my blog with some before and after pictures since it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and she was game (my kind of girl ;o) She said, "I try to live my life as an open book. I believe everything happens for a reason and we just have to do our best, with God's help to make the most of each situation." Wow - how challenging! I only pray I would be so strong if I were in the same situation!

When I told one of my close friends, Anita, about my idea she wanted to be a part of it all by doing Dee Anna's make-up. I thought that was a fabulous idea because she is really good at applying make-up the right way, much better than I could ever do!
We set up a time that we could get together to make it all happen. I am so pleased with the outcome! (Check out the collage below :o)

On our way to the Women's Jubilee and back, I was able to get to know more about Dee Anna and everything she has had to indure. To give a brief overview, Dee Anna's husband of 26 years left her for Dee Anna's best friend during the first round of chemo for the Breast Cancer. She got an infection where they removed the cancer and has to go back in later for them to fix it all when her immune system is strong again. Her father also is dying of lung cancer and her uncle is in the hospital right now too dying. Wow - how can any one individual deal with this all at once! She says she has already forgiven her husband and her friend and is just taking things one step at a time and one day at a time with the Lord's help.

Scrapbooking with her own daughter, Melissa, is very theraputic, especially the monthly pictures of her one and only grandson, Ethan, who is totally adorable and full of so much life.

We are so blessed to have this recent, wonderful neighbor and friend in our lives and will treasure her for as long as we get the priveledge of knowing her. We will continue to celebrate her life and special memories for a lifetime.