Cancer
Serenity in the Big Ditch
Adversity creates a yearning for serenity. With struggle a calm moment is desired, and the appreciation for when it occurs is significant. I first found whitewater learning to kayak in Glacier National Park with First Descents. Anxiety was a real concern I had with anything done around that time.
Read More...Prescription of Nature
I’m tired. Like to-the-bone weary, at a point where I switch into autopilot mode and float, not present in the moment, or really in the past or future, just tired. So, let’s talk about how I got here. It’s a mix of a glorious adventure in nature and sterile walls and fluorescent lights all in the matter of a week.
Read More...The Overlook
Everything is so green. That’s what I remember thinking on the ride back to my apartment after my hospital stay. Being someone who enjoys spending time outside, two weeks of being stuck inside four white hospital room walls with a window overlooking a city street was pretty much torture, especially after a leukemia diagnosis.
Read More...“It’s cancer. I’m sorry.”
“It’s cancer. I’m sorry.” I remember things immediately going silent. My brain and everything around me suddenly went dark. Hearing the words “rare and aggressive” and “I’m sorry” are a few things that I do remember.
Read More...Cancer Didn’t Care
Cancer didn’t care / Cancer didn’t care I was only nineteen / Cancer didn’t care I wanted to go back to school / Cancer didn’t care I loved my body and was comfortable with myself / Cancer didn’t care I was happy with my life
Read More...In the Mountains, I am Free
The golden sun warmed the brown and gray mountains. Short alpine grasses leaned into the wind and reached for oxygen at the high elevation, always finding a way to bloom. I was sitting in the passenger seat of my mom’s car with the windows rolled down, so I could take in the sweet smell of pines and the crisp Colorado air.
Read More...De-stressing in Nature
Nature has always been an important part of my life. Growing up in Jamaica, West Indies, I have always felt a deep connection with nature. I enjoyed walking barefoot in open fields of grass, “banana walks”, and fruit orchards.
Read More...The Healing Power of Dolphins
Learning about the healing power of dolphins started when I was in the hospital. Some nurses and doctors joked that one of the side effects I had from chemotherapy was laughter. I was able to see the positive in everything and was constantly giggling.
Read More...Finding My Herd Through Writing
“Finding your herd.” At a first glance, what does this mean? My first thought was that I should look for a group of animals. Then I realized that I should be looking at people instead.
Read More...To the Boobies
I’m not sure if I’ve given you enough appreciation for the numbered years we had, because you weren’t really my asset; you were not big. I would look at other girls and sometimes I’d wish you’d be like theirs, but really most of the time having you felt like I didn’t give a damn, because I know that you are not the only one that made me feel beautiful, and my femininity does not solely belong to you.
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