A shout out to all those 'Rocks' out there

As I stood by Booby Jo's grave today, on the day of her funeral,  I  saw the utter destruction of cancer in the eye's and hearts of the forgotten victims of cancer, those she loved and left behind.

I have always been grateful for the care and concern that has been unconditionally given  by those around me through my cancer troubles, as I know Booby Jo was through hers,   but what struck me this day was the emotional collateral damage caused to her family and friends by this wretched disease.

I'm sure those that have been 'there' for  Bobby Jo would not really see themselves as the forgotten  'victims of cancer ' for it is clear from today that they have not felt burdened by the role that they have been cast in her cancer story, never the less, those that have stood by her  are worthy of thought and respect …for it would have been just unimaginable for her without them.

Booby Jo's 'rock' was her sister Pam , who remained strong and resolute until the end for her . Pam's heart was breaking and whilst caring for her sister and the children, it is clear from the 'spectacular' send off ' Booby Jo was given, that she saw all  of  this as an honour.

Booby Jo and her 'Rock'

I know first hand that a kind word or deed done has meant  the difference between a good day and a bad day , whether from  a casual acquaintance or close family/friend, so in any way that you can  reach out …. and know that you make a difference.

So with the memory of Booby Jo in mind; here is a big shout out for ALL those 'Rock's' out there; … for your emotional investment and practical support, for the care shown, miles travelled, errands fulfilled, tears shed, plans changed, childhood's interrupted, frustrations contained, tender words said, 'hair dares' roped into, swear words forgiven, distractions made, comfortable silences enjoyed and hugs shared.

My Rock 

THANK YOU!

'Rest in Peace Booby Jo'

It is with overwhelming sadness that I write to share the news of 'Booby Jo's' death on 11th April 2015.

You may recall from previous posts that Booby Jo and I were brought together by our breast cancer  stories and tragically,  in a bitter twist of fate, the very thing that brought us together has now claimed her life.

When I last saw Jo at the beginning of March, she really did not seem to know that she would not be with us for  long …. it really does, all feel, so very sudden.

I am deliberately not blogging about Jo's personal circumstances out of respect to her family, however Jo was a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunty, a niece and a friend and the loss will be felt profoundly.

Jo's death marks a 'stinging slap' to the face of those within the breast cancer 'community'…. a sharp reminder that none of us are immune to death, no matter how valiantly we take cancer on …. it's indiscriminate!

This of course is Jo's story and there are plenty of other stories out there full of hope, but  now, it's time to mourn my dear friend and live life inspired by her memory.

A pair of perfect boobs - Feeling blessed to have know Jo