Eight years ago today I was standing at the sink brushing my teeth when it happened…my water broke. The strange thing was I hadn’t had a single contraction. It was 8:00 am. Where was Jeff? Heading off to the golf course. I warned him that today was going to be the day. I’m not sure how many holes he got through but soon enough I summoned him home and we were off to meet our baby boy. It was 3:00 pm and still not a single contraction. The nurse came in and officially broke my water and then pain…instantaneous pain. Oh good Lord! Epidural please?

On Monday Tina will be facing the biggest challenge of her life. She will undergo a bilateral mastectomy. This agonizing decision was made as a result of Tina’s past history with breast cancer combined with a strong family history. Having this surgery reduces her risk of reoccurance by 95%. I would never even pretend to understand what an incredibly difficult decision this was for her to come to terms with. As women, our breasts are certainly a strong part of our womanhood. The internal private conversations that she has had with herself have prepared her for what is to come. Life will certainly change in some fashion. And personal grief is understandable. I have assured her (as I am certain so many others have) that she is ENTITLED to mourning the loss of part of her body. Just thinking about it makes me grieve for her. But that is simply not Tina’s style. She remains strong, determined and remarkably positive that this is the best decision to assure that she is around to see her precious daughter get married one day. Tina is fortunate to have a wonderful husband (who happens to be my 2nd cousin) at home to love and support her in every way.