Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In the last few years, I must say, I am seeing more and more pink during the month of October (a nice change from the usual orange and black if you ask me.)

Those who are raising awareness of breast cancer earn an A+ in my heart. Yes, even IF they are twelve years old boys and wearing one of these.



This October hits a little closer to home as my grandmother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer this past summer. She underwent treatment and surgery and is cancer-free at the moment. She is one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately, I know too many people who weren't so fortunate.



As the oldest of sixteen grandchildren, (yes, we're Irish-Catholic) I think I speak for everyone when I say how lucky we are to have her as our grandmom.



Yes, that's me in that picture!

She is truly one of the strongest women I have ever met. In addition to surviving breast cancer, she raised seven children, had dinner on the table EVERY night at 5:00, cares for (and unconditionally loves) my grandfather and recently grieved the loss of one of her children--something no parent should ever have to go through, at any age.



Here's just a few more reasons I adore her.

1. My Grandmom says words like Beauty-ful and thinks Wens-Dee is a day of the week.

2. I'm pretty sure she still has the magnet I gave her from Santa's Secret Sale in the fifth grade hanging on her fridge.

3. My Grandmom danced at my wedding (Now I know where I get my moves from!)

4. My Grandmom has the most amazing skin. (Let's hope it's hereditary)

5. My Grandmom never has an unkind word to say about ANYONE.

6. No matter how big or small my problem, she will tell me to pray the Rosary.

7. My Grandmom took me to Florida when I was thirteen-years-old--Just me and her :)

8. My Grandmom makes one heck of a lasagna.

9. When I was twelve we had a family portrait taken on the beach of our whole family. This picture is proudly displayed in her kitchen. Each time another grandchild was born, she would stick the baby picture in the frame's border to "add" them to our family picture. It's her own unique version of photo-shopping.

10. Every card she sends me reads: "I love you." at the bottom.