February 14, 2015 - Valentine's Day.

I took these pictures on December 29, 2014 at Presbyterian Hospital Main while there for genetic counseling and testing. I was  two weeks post surgery and one week before starting chemotherapy. I was told that all of these tiles were individually painted by different cancer patients. The heart board is proudly displayed on the first floor hallway near the Cancer Center entrance. It was love at "first sight" for me! I lingered for quite some time at this board studying and being so intrigued by the handiwork of each tile. This was such a great and reassuring "find" right before starting chemotherapy! I have been saving these pictures until today and I am so excited to be able to share them with everyone on Valentine's Day! I think about what a huge impact this heart board made on me that early morning in December. Those cancer patients being willing to share their time and talents on tiles is why I can share their work with you today!

I was taking Ava to school yesterday when she reached into her book bag and pulled out this pair of pink heart shaped earrings. She asked me if I wanted to borrow these for Valentine's Day. I could not say "yes" fast enough! She then told me "I have tons of earrings and you can wear my Gummi Bears too!" Needless to say, after she got out of the car, I was a complete puddle. If I had died right then, it would have been from a melted heart. I will proudly wear my special and borrowed earrings with my "doo-rag" today!
So as you can see, Valentine's Day is not about chocolate and roses for me this year. It's all about unexpected examples of sharing along my journey! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!