Our mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The initial report came as a complete shock to all of us, and we began to experience a whole range of emotions that come with hearing the words, "You have cancer." Why Mom? Why did this horrible disease have to afflict such a wonderful, strong, caring woman? How will it affect her? What kind of treatment she have to endure? Will she be sick? Will she lose her hair? Will she be OK? How will we get through this? We soon realized that these are typical feelings, and ones that we could work through...

After the shock of Mom's diagnosis wore off, we focused our attention on her treatment. We surrounded her with lots of love and positive energy. We wanted Mom to know that she was not facing this battle alone - we were right there with her...always.

Easter Sunday, with the family gathered together, we presented Mom with a special basket filled with items that would make her treatments more bearable and be constant reminders of the love that surrounded her. Each gift was chosen with Mom's comfort in mind, and symbolized the things most important to her. A journal - to write down her thoughts...a blanket - to keep her warm...a bag - to keep everything close...and a zip-front sweatshirt - to be comfortable to wear when her skin burned from treatment...these are just a few of the things that made up the basket.

We watched Mom open each present and we explained why it was chosen. There was an amazing closeness that enveloped the entire family, and it was at this point that Mom's and our family‘s, healing began. She slipped into the sweatshirt, commenting on the softness and how it would be perfect to wear to and from treatments. All of the children clamored around, wanting to hug their nana. We grabbed some fabric paint and covered each child's hands. One by one, the six grandchildren, two nephews and a niece wrapped their arms around Mom, leaving their prints behind. It was by the third hug that Mom commented how "the warmth felt with each hug was like healing taking place."