Simply the Best

Words cannot describe the peace in my heart I feel by being reunited with Kathleen and the girls. I'm pleased to say that she's in pretty good form and she looks absolutely gorgeous with the 'full moon' look. Radiant. Stunning. Simply the Best.

Great news, we have a few venues that we're planning to bounce in Florida. Once days/times are confirmed, I'll post the info on the blog.

More great news, Staples wants to take this campaign to other locations throughout the UK. Lucky for us. Even better for the single mums affected from breast cancer we'll now be able to support.

We've now raised just over $8500 - less than $1500 remaining. Good going to all who are showing their love and commitment to make this happen.

Kathleen starts her chemo again tomorrow. Doc is changing her meds so that the second chemo should produce less side affects for a shorter period of time. We can only hope for the best.

Over and out. Nightie, night. Sweet Dreams.

x love, priscilla and kathleen

Flying High

Day 95 - raised $8289 - only $1711 to go...

As much as this campaign has found our feet barely touching the ground, this day has been reassuringly grounding.

I am where I need to be. Today's answers open up the possibilities of tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will be reunited with my sister, Kathleen and my neices. Without her, we wouldn't be doing this.

I honour this day, myself, Christoph, Kathleen, Colleen, Christina, Halina, Dad, Felicity, Diana, Charlotte, our Sponsors and the numerous other beautiful people have been a part of the B4B journey.

Thanks also to Joanne Wakenshaw, the professional photographer, who offered to take this fab photo.

See you all Stateside.

with love and blessing, always

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Boobeque

Why have a Barbeque when you can have a Boobeque?

Today marked the official 7 day countdown to day 100. It was a time to acknowledge and celebrate our successes so far.

The event turned out just as I imagined: a great mix of old friends, new friends & neighbours, kids bouncing on trampolines, lots of laughter, FUN food that begins with the letter B, Giant Jenga for those people who really love a good challenge, and not a raindrop in site.

A BIG UP to everyone who contributed to our FUNdraising drive during the Boobeque. We've now reached a total of $8196.

With the help of such quality people, I have certainty we'll reach $10,000 by Saturday 3rd June 2006.

(ps. we've started a new trend, shown in the photo - instead of saying cheese to the photographer, say...BOOB)

WOW'd

WOW - That sums up the day perfectly in sooo many ways!!!!

WOW'd at the Staples Bounce

• WOW to Peter Hart, Sales Manager at Staples in Charlton for making this day happen
• WOW to his team for all their infinite support, smiles and attending to our needs throughout the day - Nisha, Ana, Ibrahim, Jamie, Victor, and Mr. Abdulganiyu
• WOW to Staples Head Office UK who have agreed to match £ for £ = totalling £500 raised for the day
• WOW to all those patrons and passers-by who donated to our cause, making a huge difference
• WOW to Jo, the professional photographer for her great shots to approach local press with this story
• WOW to our legs for supporting us in bouncing 46,791 times today (8.5 hours of bouncing)

WOW to Kathleen

• WOW to Kathleen making an appointment with the hairsalon today. I received a call during the bounce -she woke up this morning and found most of her remaining hair was loose on her pillow case. Today was the day we knew would always come - the day she'd shave her head. She was naturally feeling anxious so I comforted her with the winning woman's sure-fire approach: (1) Face the moment looking great in her favorite outfit and (2) reward herself afterwards by getting a nice pair of earrings because we'd see her beautiful ears even more
• WOW to the fact she turned shaving her head, a commonly traumatic event for cancer patients, into an experience of self-appreciation
• WOW that she loves her new look so much she decided not to wear a scarf when she left the hair salon
• WOW to the fact that she is laughing again and she has great moments in the day
• WOW to the fact that she's feeling herself more and more when the side effects of chemo subside
• WOW to her courage to carry on each day, despite her discomfort and unfamiliar experiences
• WOW to her ability to continue to inspire others through her experience

WOW to Terry

• WOW to Kathleen's friend, Terry, for shaving his head today so she wouldn't go through this alone
• WOW to the fact that he finds her even more beautiful without her hair, for he says he can see her beautiful features even more
• WOW to Terry for being by her side since the beginning
• WOW to the fact he moved house just before her surgery so he could be only 20 minutes away vs. 1 hour 20 minutes
• WOW that he loves her for her true self

WOW to Christoph

• WOW to Christoph to the fab posters he made today
• WOW to all his initiatives in this campaign - currently making a DVD of the story
• WOW to his love for Kathleen and her kids
• WOW to the fact that he is such incredible partner and he touches so many peoples hearts with his kindess, sincerity and sense of team spirit
• WOW to his sense of fun that he sung two of Kathleen's favorite songs with me into the phone when she was at the hair salon

Weekend Wonders

With 7 days to our $10,000 goal, we're pulling out all the stops. This is how our weekend is shap'in up.

Saturday 27th May - 8 hour Bounce at Staples, in Charlton
Sunday 28th May - FUNdraising BBQ (Boob-B-Q)
Monday 29th May - Surprise venue in London

Happy Bank Holiday weekend and Memorial Day weekend to all ...
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Quality Questions

I have learned that the quality of our life reflects the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. In other words, if we don't like the answers we're getting, ask a better question.

This may seem as foreign to many of you as it was to me a few years ago. I didn't realise I could ask questions. I just struggled through life until, I (1) learned I could ask myself questions and (2) gave myself the permission to do so. The more I asked questions, the better I became at it.
I knew that if the quality of my life was to be improved, I had to be the cause. For me, a quality moment creates a compelling future filled with sweet anticipation.

As I've shared with you in a previous blog entry, the last words Kathleen said to her doctor before going into surgery for her mastectomy was "You were born for this very moment". I found this to be a very profound expression and I have been using it in my life ever since.

I was faced with a challenging situation recently and so I turned Kathleen's expression into a question, How were you born for this very moment?

All of a sudden a vast amount of resources from within presented themselves and I knew the solution. From that day, I acknowledge the choices or decisions I make that improve the quality of my life. I usually start with one of these questions:

What were the choices I made that improved the quality of my life today?
What didn't I do that improved the quality of my life today?

Through this campaign, I have rediscovered just how important it is to live each day by being fully present and fulfilled. Life ain't no dress rehearsal. The past is in the past, the future is yet to come, the power is in the present moment.

When faced with uncertainty, I sit quietly. Instead of controlling the mind, I control the body (which controls the mind) - I breath deeply, I stretch, I calm. Sometimes, I ask God for assistance. Let the answers be known...

"How can I best live my way into the answers?"

Here's to living a quality life today.

love, p x

Friend, Supporter, and Family

I thank you for your time in reading this update on the Bouncing for Breast Cancer (a.k.a. Bouncing for Boobs) personal campaign.

I know there are some of you who want to donate to our cause and the good news is that there's still time left to do so. In fact, I've made it easier by accepting credit card/debit card donations through our website - www.bouncingforbreastcancer.org.

Firstly, let me say how humbly grateful I am for how far we've come in this emotional and inspirational journey. Without the support from all over the world from outstanding people such as yourself, we would not be where we are today. Kathleen and her children are so touched by the outreach from the world community.

To recap, I started this personal breast cancer appeal to help my sister and single mum, Kathleen, on 24th February 2006. I pledged to bounce 10,000 times a day to raise $10,000 in 100 days. All proceeds go towards basic living costs during the 5 months she's unable to work and bring an income. Together with a small and dedicated team, we celebrate our successes to date:

• Raised just over $7,000 in just 90 days!!!!
• Bounced over 900,000 times (approx 135 hours)
• Bounced in 6 countries - England, India, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland
• Landmark bounces include Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, London Eye, Dom Cathedral, Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Our story will be featured in an exclusive interview with UK's no. 1 women's weekly magazine June 15th
• Created a blog that has been full of updates, inspirational stories and a few laughs
• Touched the lives of thousands of people in spreading hope to those affected by breast cancer
• Found a company to help turn this into a nonprofit organisation to support single mothers worldwide
• Made a profound impact on my sister Kathleen in our support during her surgeries, recovery and chemo

The Countdown begins - 10 days remaining to reach our personal target of $10,000 on Day 100 of this campaign - June 3rd, 2006. Our aim is to raise the remaining $3,000 by then and we can only do this with your wonderful support.

Kathleen and I would be profoundly grateful for any amount of support you can contribute to this worthy cause - through personal donations, spreading the word to friends and colleagues to kindly do the same, purchasing our fab tshirts, and sending well wishes. Good news is that we are now able to take credit/debit card donations online in addition to Paypal payments.

Making a difference has never been so easy.
1. Log onto www.bouncingforbreastcancer.org
2. Click on the donate button
3. Choose Paypal option or Non Paypal (credit/debit card)
4. Make your donation - any amount is so appreciated
5. Feel great knowing you've made a HUGE difference today

Do check our blog for its updates on Kathleen and uplifting stories http://bouncingforboobs.blogspot.com

I am flying to America on 30th May to spend two weeks with Kathleen and my nieces. She lost 3/4 of her reconstructed breast due to complications in the healing and she's lost most of her hair from the 1st chemo treatment. However, she has her LIFE and this is to be celebrated. During my visit, I will be going to the hospital with her during her 2nd chemo treatment and assist her through the side effects. Additionally, I will support her to create a compelling for herself and to lovingly embrace her new body image.

Thanks for your time and for stepping up to contribute in whatever way you can. May you continue to rise and shine in your greatness.

With love and heartfelt blessings,
x priscilla & kathleen

Love by Default

I'd like to honour another sister, Candy, for all her prayers and well wishes for Kathleen. I know that in her special way, she is making a difference to Kathleen and the family.

Our family is extended in a modern world kind of way. My dad has been married a few times so we have added offspring to the family throughout the years. As a result, I have had the fortune of sharing life with a diverse mix of siblings who see the world in equally diverse perspectives.

Candy is the eldest daughter and is much older than I - 12 years to be exact (2 years older than Kathleen). Funny, at my age of 37, it doesn't sound that big of an age gap. Yet when I was a little girl, it seemed as wide as the Grand Canyon. This is an old photo of us - 20 years to be precise. I'm so grateful I still have it as it's the only photo with all of our Dad's daughters together - Candy, Kathleen and myself. (Big hair fashion police would arrest us on the spot in this day and age.)

We've all grown up into unique, loving and talented women, each making our own special contribution in this world. Over the years, there have been times it felt as if this has led us opposite directions. Admittedly there were moments I had wondered if we really have enough in common to bridge the gaps of time. Then I thought again. I have learned that despite the distance, true connection exists from where we live in our hearts vs. where we live in this world. Whilst I haven't seen Candy in several years, I love her by default in a sisterhood kind of way.

To me, loving by default requires no effort. It exists without judgement, without fear of rejection, without the distance of time and geography.

It comes with a full heart of warmth and acceptance of the other. From the very same heart as our Creator that exists within everything. The Universe. You & me. All living things.

With love and blessings to Candy, Kathleen and all my extended family...

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Mr. Big

What I love most about this campaign is sharing it with my beloved Christoph - my Mr. Big.

We have so much FUN bouncing together and it's amazing just how much the time flies. We laugh so hard, we lose our balance sometimes. We alternate being DJ and spinning our favourite bounce tunes. Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" is my number 1. Christoph prefers the likes of Basement Jaxx.

Two weeks to go to reach day 100 in the campaign and $3000 left to raise. This is what we've got lined up in these final weeks:

27th May- a public bounce venue t.b.a.
1st June - bouncing at Disneyworld, Florida
3rd June - bouncing in Melbourne, Florida

love xp

The full moon is rising

Kathleen has lost 50% of her hair in the past week. By the time I arrive, all of it is likely to have fallen out.

My assistant, Diana shared with me a song by India.Arie titled, "I Am Not My Hair". What I loved about it is the reference in Verse 3 as she artfully describes the effects of breast cancer and chemotherapy. She writes:

[Verse 3]

Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy
Took away her crown and glory
She promised God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life oooh
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparkling
Bald headed like a full moon shining
Singing out to the whole wide word like Hey....

[Chorus]

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am a soul that lives within.



I shared this with Kathleen and she loved it. Her shiny full moon is rising and her eyes will sparkle even more like the stars.

love and blessings xp

How the wrong way can really be the right way

I had an appointment with my massage therapist tonight. It was the first time I went to her studio so I checked the map before the journey to ensure I knew the quickest and most direct route.

She was located on a long winding road on a hill and I didn't know if it was towards the bottom end or the top end. I made the decision to enter at the bottom and soon realised that it was the wrong end by looking at the house numbers.

I became somewhat stressed and annoyed as I was already running a few minutes behind schedule. As I drove along, I even began to question myself whether or not I was going the right way. I could not longer see the numbers on the buildings or street signs. Was I lost?

As I climbed the hill, I soon noticed the biggest, most incredible rainbow I'd ever seen. The colours were so rich and deep - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. I was so captivated by it, I followed it up the hill like a kid following coloured balloons in the sky. Climbing higher and higher, I became closer and closer to the end of the rainbow.

Then reality hit me and I remembered my appointment. I refocused on finding the building and to my delight, I was just in front of it. Any stress was replaced by a sense of calm, joy and confidence that I was in the right place all along.

When Julia answered the door, I told her about the rainbow and she came out to witness this awesome sight for herself. But when we looked into the sky, the clouds had come in and the rich and vibrant colours were fading away.

It dawned on me that sometimes the magic in life we witness is intended for our eyes only. These moments represent life learnings worth more than a pot of gold. My golden lesson was that it is essential for me to trust that where I am at all times is where I need to be. There are no wrong ways. There are no ordinary moments.

What was even more significant about this experience is that I intended to share the healing properties of colours with Kathleen and all of you. Coincidentally, they are the colours of the rainbow. May you find healing in the colours of your rainbows...

RED represents VITALITY, COURAGE, SELF CONFIDENCE. It is used in photodynamic therapy to erradicate cancer. Red is a warm color that promotes healing. It will warm cold areas to reduce pain and releave stiffness. Red stimulates circulation of blood and flow of adrenaline. Persons with high blood pressure should use with caution. Red energy governs the ROOT CHAKRA.

ORANGE represents CHEERFULNESS, CONFIDENCE, RESOURCEFULNESS also a color of energy. Orange helps stimulate mental enlightenment. It is used to increase immunity, sexual potency and aid digestive ailments. Stimulates digestion. Orange can be used to help heal conditions of the kidney, bladder and lungs . Orange governs the SPLEEN CHAKRA.

YELLOW represents WISDOM, CLARITY, SELF-ESTEEM mentally stimulating. It strengthens the nervous system. Helps cure dermatitis and other skin problems. Yellow can be used for conditions of the stomach, liver, and intestines. Yellow governs the SOLAR PLEXIS CHAKRA.

GREEN represents BALANCE, LOVE, SELF CONTROL promotes calmness. Green is a good general healing color because it stimulates growth. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used green as the primary color of healing. A good color to help create an atmosphere of serenity. Green governs the HEART CHAKRA.

BLUE represents KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, DECISIVENESS, serenity and harmony. Blue is helpful in cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting. It is very good for burns. Solarized blue water is an excellent tonic for laryngitis or inflammation of the larynx. Blue governs the THROAT CHAKRA.

INDIGO represents INTUITION, MYSTICISM, UNDERSTANDING Indigo is used for conditions of the ears, nose and eyes and has anesthetic properties. Indigo is cool, electric, and astringent. Indigo governs the BROW CHAKRA.

VIOLET represents BEAUTY, CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, expands divine understanding It is good for mental and nervous problems. Helps with pain, is used in deep tissue work and helps heal the bones. Violet governs the CROWN CHAKRA.

(source for image and healing properties: Jan LeComte)

with love and blessings...xp

Discovering the art of balance

I support people to be true to themselves and authentic in who they are and what they do in all situations. I practice this myself.

I have rewritten this entry many times in my head and I'm grateful to finally share with you. I didn't quite know how to word it or how to tell you. I had to manage my own expectations and emotions.

Last week, I reached the tipping point of emotional and physical imbalance. The rash that broke out on my chest, neck and back was likely as a result that I had over extended myself emotionally and physically in recent weeks. I had given so much to others, that I hadn't looked after myself as well as I thought.

In order to find my balance again, I needed to cleanse, engage in lower level activities to support my structure. Thus, I had to hang up the bouncing for a few days. I am pleased to say that I'm now back on the trampoline again.

This was a humbling experience for me. I thought, I of all people, practiced the art of balance. After all, it's a subject I help others on. But in order to teach others, I must be a practioner myself. I was grateful for the learning and the opportunity to finally get what it was that I hadn't gotten yet: the essentials to creating the art of balance. To be connected to everything and attached to nothing.

How do I do this?

1. Surrounding myself with a healing environment - even more so during the times when serving others in need.
2. Being gentle and loving with myself at all times.
3. Using aromatherapy oils, gemstones and crystals to aid in the balance and regeneration of energy.
4. Consistently, eat and drink in a way that revitalises me.
5. To rest properly.
6. Deep breathing exercises and stretching.
7. To care for myself as if I were my very own child.

With adding extra bounces each day and counting Christoph's numbers, I'm happy to say we will make our 1 million bounce target on the 3rd June - day 100.

The beauty of this personal campaign is that it has evolved into a massive team spirit. Kathleen, Halina, Colleen, Christina, Christoph, everyone who has contributed in the form of prayers, well wishes, donations, bouncing and readers of this blog are all a part of our team.

With such a quality team around me, I knew I could be true to myself, take time for myself and to be honest with you. A million thanks to you.

love and blessings xp

The Chemo Lounge

Kathleen received just over 4 hours of chemo. She thought she'd receive a cocktail mix of chemicals that would be administered. However, it appears they need to give 4 different fluids separately - hence the time it takes.

The room is like a lounge. First, they give you something to relax the body, so it will accept everything that follows. Then one by one, the other bags are emptied. With her most sentimental & healing possessions surrounding her, her body accepted the treatment.

As a keen observer to life, she was curious to experience all the side effects on her. By the time, she got home from the hospital, she felt as though her body was compressed by a stack of books.
Her level of fatigue had hit max overload.

On Saturday, the symptoms changed. Her nerve endings were raw and she began to shake involuntarily. She said she walked/shook like an elderly person. These are only some of a long list of side effects:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• shaking
• hair loss
• swelling
• metal taste in mouth
• discoloured skin and nails
• skin rash
• dry skin
• sensitive to sun
• temperature
• flu symptom
• heart palpatations
• sleeplessness
• mouth ulcers
• fatigue

On my mantleplace in my office, I have lit a purple candle in front of a photo of her. Next to it, is a bouquet of yellow roses. Her favorite colour. Even from a distance, I surround her with the all the healing energy I can offer as if I were there by her side.

I will be with her from 30th May-14th June. It will be so good to be with her and to be by her side during the next chemo visit.

In kathleen's words...Peace out.

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Let the light in

I spoke to Kathleen late last night after she met with her oncologist. She starts chemo today. Wow, so soon, I thought. Yet this is the moment Kathleen has been preparing for and thank God she's healed enougth to embark on this important phase in this journey. It's one step closer to complete recovery.

She's mentally and emotionally prepared. She's taking with her a treasure chest of items that will support her and comfort her during the 4 hour process. Photos of her family, scriptures from the Bible, Peace and calming aromatherapy oil, her favorite music and a Bouncing for Boobs flyer.

i was so pleased she was ready for this moment. However, I had mixed feelings and needed to manage my own expectations of being there. The plan was to be with her for the first appointment, but we obviously didn't know it would be so soon. I went to bed asking myself what awakening message I am to know for Thursday, in order to find peace within. And most importantly, a message that will help her throughout the day.

Morning eyes opened. With my cat, Max sleeping soundly beside me, I could hear birds singing. I layed there quietly waiting for the message to come through like a letter through a post box. Nothing was delivered.

So after a few minutes, I got up out of bed and flung open the curtains and said to Max (who was now awake and performing his morning yoga routine), "It's time to let the light in".

That was it and it resonated within. I asked myself, "How can you let the light in your heart?".
A sense of peace ran over me like a light warm summer rain.

Life is as beautiful as we choose to see it; I just had to let the light in.

with love and blessings x

We've come a long way

There are 25 days remaining of this personal campaign to reach our $10,000 and we are truly grateful for all the support we have received to date.

Celebrations so far:

• Kathleen is recovery slowly, but surely and all the support from everyone has made a difference
• we've raised over $6500
• our story will be featured in the UK's no. 1 women's magazine in June (info and details to follow)
• bounced in more countries on my trampoline than I ever dreamed of
• created a great team
• Done more than we ever thought we could in this period of time

It's time to step up the momentum and take this campaign to the next level. That means I will be doing even more to ensure we reach our targets through love, creative thinking and more bouncing...

PLUS, this is an opportunity for everyone who has yet to make a contribution to do so. How can you help us reach the $10,000 target and celebrate together in this achievement?

1. Click on the link to our website - www.bouncingforbreastcancer.org
2. Click on the DONATE button
3. This takes you to a screen with two options - donate via your paypal account if you have one OR even easier - to pay via credit or debit card.
4. Feel great by receiving the gift of giving.

It's that simple to make a difference.

love and blessings. xp

Thank you, Patience

Back home in London after 10 days on the road, 100,000 bounces, in three countries, covering a couple thousand kilometers and staying at 5 different places. Phewee, it's been a whirlwind trip. For those of you who follow our blog regularly, a million thanks for your patience and staying committed to this cause. Today, has been the first day that I could upload the blog with last week's entries.

Unexpected during this trip, that there would be limited internet connection and sometimes none at all. I rocked up with my wireless laptop at one office supply/internet shop in a small town in Italy and not only did they not have wireless, but i could not upload any images for they only accept floppies. Bless. Love the rural parts of the world -the only hot spots they know of is where the sun shines.

To be honest, it was a nice challenge to have. I needed to be unreachable for a few days to recharge and gain momentum for the last quarter of this personal campaign.

love and blessings x

Lean on me

(adapted lyrics of Bill Withers' song, Lean on Me)

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain.
We all have sorrow.
But if we are wise,
We know that there's always tomorrow.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on.
For, it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow.
For, no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show.

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry,
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me.

So just call on me sister, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on.

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need Somebody to lean on.

Lean on me...


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Bosom Buddy and the Boob Tube

Today was Kathleen's follow-up appointment since her surgeon removed the majority of the breast a week ago. I howled with laughter when she told me the doctor had no choice but to remove her drainage tube. Rather than updating you myself - here is her amusing anecdote, health UPdate and continued praise to all that are there for her...

"Finally some good news! Saw Dr M today and he said things look better than he though it would. He was very encouraged of my stage in healing for the first time... No signs of infection so, I am officially off of anti-biotics! It has been nearly 4 months that I have been taking them. Ugh. Now I can build my system up. Yeah.....

Dr. M took the drain tube out.... uh huh oh yah.... He had to anyway because Buddy, my hamster, bit the tube when I was holding him on my lap, yesterday.... Hahahahah... he bit the boob tub! Okay I thought this was funny.

I have entered the next phase... I have the go ahead from Dr M to get the ball rolling for Chemo. I have a heart scan and lung xray prior to the start. We're looking with in 2 weeks, I believe. Priscilla, my youngest sister will be coming in from Europe (lives in London) for 2 weeks to help me out during the initial start up. It will be a blessing to have her here. She is a natural cheerleader as her occupation reflect this... Life Coaching and Fashon Stylist. Therefore, I will not only have my own personal cheering squad but what better timing to also get a make over! She will come in handy during those 'I don't care what I look like days'... Ha ..... You all won't believe this one.... I bought a RED wig as I will wear it and alternate that with perhaps a BLOND or BLACK one...(still deciding). That's what she will do best... help me have fun with this.

Mom has been a trouper. Picking up the slack on a continued basis has been draining... I can't thank her enough for her DAILY support, and loving care.... running errands, wound care, playing taxi cab driver to her grandchildren and especially taking me across state to Moffitt on an almost weekly basis. But, she will not be putting her taxi hat away anytime soon....She will be driving me for my Chemo appointments that will be about 20 min away in Merritt Island, every 3 weeks.

Well, this is the update... There is always more to say...including, I am feeling so much better and stronger. -----You all have been wonderful to me with your cards, emails and calls... thanks.. they mean very much to me.

Okay...... As Bud Lightyear would say..... "Onward and Upward to infinity and beyond......."

Love to you all, Kathleen

Overcoming Mountains

Driving through the Alps was the most enriching decision I’ve made in a long time. It may be obvious to everyone else, but I had not realised how much Kathleen’s experience with breast cancer has had an emotional impact on me. Yesterday, I hit a brick wall and I didn’t see it coming. I was raw and hyper-sensitive, to which my husband didn’t know how to respond. Hell, I didn’t know how to either.

Later in the day, as our car climbed through the foothills of the Swiss Alps, my stressed body was so grateful to feel the bright sunshine warm my skin, to inhale the brisk clean air, to smell the green grassy meadows, to hear the sounds of nature and to look down below from a higher viewpoint. I became more relaxed and I let the journey heal me. In silence, I noticed how these mountains reflected this moment in my life in its rawness and its beauty…

There are jagged edges and yet there are smooth and soft rolling hills. The climb to the summit can be at times gradual and other times vertical. And I gain such pleasure in coasting downhill, knowing that the brakes are there to help when I’m going too fast.

In crossing the mountain summit, we had a choice to go through a tunnel or over a pass. This provided us with a few opportunities. The great thing with tunnels is that they provide the most direct and quickest route, however they can be very dark, intense, and you must rely on your own light to see you through until you reach the light at the end. On the other hand, the great thing about taking the mountain passes is that whilst it requires more time, it is filled with more adventure, provides more time to reflect and take in the awesome sights.

In the end, we crossed the peak by taking a mountain pass, and we also took tunnels when there was no other choice by car. Due to weather conditions, we experienced road blocks and we needed to find alternate ways to overcome the obstacles. Knowing that we had the essential information and a few options to choose from, we experienced no stress and could calculate our arrival time realistically.

When we had descended into the foothills on the Italian side of the Alps, I realised, there were many ways we could have made it. Because we were just travellers passing through, it was up to us to choose how to reach our destination and how much time we wanted to invest.

Finally, I noticed how consistently time aligns with the seasons to reflect the cycles of life: in winter, there is hibernation; in spring, there is creation; in summer, everything blossoms; in autumn, there is reaping and harvesting in order to prepare for the winter again.

Before rounding a final bend in the road moving away from the Alps, my husband said to me “Take a look behind in the rear window, isn’t that a beautiful sight?”

It was not only a beautiful sight, but it was also a beautiful experience in all its ups and downs. I am forever grateful.

By allowing my environment to heal me, teach me and challenge me… I mastered it.

Hallelujah

Today was a day full of mixed feelings. The joy of completing another Kathleen World Tour bounce and receiving an email from her moments afterwards, overwhelmed me with emotions.

With heavy heart, I share with you some distressing news. When Kathleen unwrapped the bandages from last Thursday’s minor surgery, she discovered that ¾ of her breast had been removed. She was not prepared for, nor expecting this. It appears that most the tissue was dead or compromised so the doctor had to make the best decision for her health and remove most of the breast.

As I am travelling, I received the news only this morning when I checked my emails at an internet café after bouncing at the Dom Cathedral in Cologne, Germany. She wrote that she was in shock and was more upset than after the initial mastectomy. She didn’t know how to place her disappointment or emotions. She reached out to me and my sister Felicity to help her reconcile and find encouragement through this very difficult time.

I was crushed with the news. I couldn’t quite fathom it myself. I began crying for no reason and for every reason. I felt her disappointment and anguish. I didn’t know what to do, how to make sense of it, or even what to say to her. Yet, I knew that I must share something – a glimmer of hope or reassurance that all is well. But before finding that new meaning to share with her, I needed to wholly believe it myself.

I was so frustrated and my mind was searching far and wide. I mean, how can one find anything empowering in losing ¾ of the breast that was just recently reconstructed???? How fucking absurd does this sound? I was lost as to how I can best serve Kathleen in her moment of need. So I went deep within my heart and asked “What is it that I need to share with her that will now help her?”

Then it came to me. I thought of what I said to the video camera during the bounce at the Dom Cathedral that morning. Christoph was filming me and asked me a series of questions. His final question was “What is your final thought, your shout-out to Kathleen for today?”
I replied, “Hallelujah”.

As I sat there in the internet café, I thought to myself how this is not a word that I often speak in my daily life – yet it passed effortlessly through my lips as if I came through me, not from me. At that moment, I knew this is what I had to share with her and prayed that this could help her see the light…

Hallelujah for your life and that you are with us. Hallelujah that the doctor made the best decision he could at the time and took out the tissue that was not good for you to aid in the healing. Hallelujah to the fact that timing is everything and that once you have been healed and have had chemotherapy, there will be another chance to look at reconstruction of your breast. Hallelujah that your mother with you daily to help you through this difficult time. Hallelujah that a breast is not a vital organ like a heart and your heart is beating beautifully. Hallelujah for your wonderful girls that love to share each and every day with you. Hallelujah to the fact that you have a man that loves you and sees beyond your physical beauty into your inner spiritual beauty. Hallelujah that you are my sister and i am so very proud of you for your honesty, heart, courage and sensitivities. Hallelujah for all the incredible goodness and value that you bring to the world and for the tremendous difference you make not just to my life – but to every person you touch. Hallelujah for all the love and support you have from family, friends and [world] community. Hallelujah that God is in your life to carry you in this moment.

For the remainder of the day, I continued to reflect on the wide range of emotions and experiences I had. It was a very profound morning - I experienced synchronicity. The more I became coherent with myself, everything became so effortless. As I tuned into my heart in what the moment called for, I had a sense of knowing what I was to do.

Before going to the internet cafe to check my emails, I entered the cathedral to light a candle and pray for Kathleen. Little did I know then what news from Kathleen I was about to receive. Later in the day when I spoke to her, she was just in the middle of responding to my email. She said that what I wrote her helped her tremendously. She felt as if she had been in a dark manhole, yet now she sees the light above and is climbing towards it.

Hallelujah