Opakele

Oh, we had such a weekend. I am recharged and slightly brimming.

I have attempted to talk about the Burton retreat. The Spinnies and the Fluties have been sharing this weekend retreat facility for many years. We didn't start off sharing, they were there, we were there. In the early days, we Spinnies went about our business, but flute music wafted in the breeze and occasionally there was a thump of a great drum. Kind of hard to ignore, I suppose. I think we were drawn to each other, truth be told. Over the years, we have mingled.

Today, many Spinnies are learning to play flute and didgeridoo, and many Fluties are spinning, knitting and weaving. When we reunite, there are hugs, sharing of photos, some tears as we catch up, laughter. All in all, such a good time.

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The ailing big leaf maple in the front yard came down today. I am so sad to see it go.

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The lady who organizes the Camp Burton spinning retreat is a very talented artist of many disciplines. Along with spinning, weaving and lacemaking, she paints and makes kites. She painted an Ashford Traveller, a spinning wheel, and hopes to sell it. I told her I would boost the signal. She would like $700. If you know anyone interested, please contact me.

I met my friend Nani, adventurine, through the breast cancer community on LiveJournal in late 2006. We were both fighting cancer. Quickly, we were corresponding outside of LJ and supporting each other the best we could.

I learned tonight Nani passed away December 28th. I can't stop crying.

In Nani's words: "In July 1997 I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. This was after a month long round of dr.'s appointments. I would end up switching medical groups until I found a doctor who would actually listen to my concerns and send me in to have a mammogram. I was 30 years old. This was the beginning of my journey..."

Nani went through chemo and radiation for this initial cancer. She worked at NASA as a dispatcher through this time. Five years later she had her miracle baby Kyli...and the cancer came back. Her husband had left her, she was estranged from her family and she lost her job with the second diagnosis and treatments. Quickly, her situation became desperate. She spent the next 8 years doing one round of chemo after another and taking care of Kyli. I remember one LJ post in which she shares that her car had been repossessed because she fell behind on payments. She could take the bus to chemo.

More and more younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. There is little to no support for these women. This disturbs me greatly.

Yet, Nani stayed positive, determined.

In Nani's words (2006): "In the 8 years since my initial diagnosis, I have come to learn that each individual's path and experience is different even though we may be lumped together categorically as "breast cancer patients" or "breast cancer survivors." Even if our diagnoses may be similar, our body's reactions to treatments differ greatly as do our emotions in dealing with a diagnosis of cancer and the many "life-saving" treatments we will undergo in our journey towards healing. I hope that sharing my journey will inform, enlighten, and encourage others who may be walking a similar path."

Nani went into the hospital Christmas Day with an infection and blood poisoning. Her family was with her when she died on the 28th.

Nani, you taught me so much. You so totally kicked cancer's fucking ass. For what it is worth, I am proud of you, little sister. I am sorry I hate Facebook.

Your shitty friend, Opa

Nani