Ribbon for a Cause

When I saw that the Chocolate, Coffee and Cards ( http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ ) challenge this week was ribbon for a cause, I knew I had to join in. I am a breast cancer survivor. Seven years ago, when my surgeon removed my right breast, I was assured all the cancer was gone. It was isolated within the breast and had not traveled any where else. The funny thing about having cancer is that even when you are told it is all gone, you never really believe it is gone. You wonder each and every day if it will come back, perhaps in the other breast or in another part of your body in a different form. Every time you have an unsual pain or ache, you wonder. If you wake one morning not quite feeling your usual self, you wonder. You go through each and every day simply on faith (a prayer and a wish, as my grandmother used to say).

I found the cancer myself. When my younger daughter was three years old, she developed a Wilhm's tumor which is a serious form of a childhood cancer. It was serious because most cases were not discovered until they were already stage 4. By the grace of God, Amber's was discovered in stage 3. As a result of her illness, I volunteered with the American Cancer Society in our town and was part of a team that went out to women's groups to give a program and instruction on breast self examination. I knew how to do it, and I did it time after time with nothing unusual. But then there was that time, yes, THAT time.

I was not devestated at being told I'd have to have a mastectomy. Most of my life I have been a 32 'A'lmost have some. There wasn't a big loss there, and when my doctor asked if I wanted to consider reconstructive surgery afterwards, I laughted and asked him just what was he going to "re"construct since there wasn't anything there to begin. But, for many people, male or female, the loss of a body part can be devestating. For those of us who believe in God, we are reminded that the body is just a shell, a temporary vessel. Our true being and our true beauty lies within. His grace sustains us and keeps us going.

The Chocolate, Coffee and Cards challenge is not just about breast cancer. It is a ribbon for a cause -- be it childhood cancer, heart disease, or supporting our troops. Whatever cause is near to your heart, there is a ribbon to symbolize it. Take the time to show your support (and your colours) by finding your ribbon and making a card.

If you are still with me, I'll tell you that my image is by Krista Smith (Saturated Canary) and is called "Boobie Love." I've coloured it with my Copics after printing it off onto Cryogen card (notice the gray hair matches my own - smile). The DP is by My Mind's Eye, the Vanity Fair pad. The ribbon is by Offray, and the flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts and Recollections. The jewels are by Recollections.

Thank you for stopping by. I'm entering this card:

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ - Ribbon for a Cause
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.ca/ - Ribbons and Bows
http://kraftyhands.blogspot.co.uk/ - Bling It Up
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ - Bling
http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Bling It On
http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Pink