Thursday, 9/23 - RIP

Today is a somber day. I hadn't mentioned this before, but today is the funeral for a member of my support group at the Wellness Community. We found out on Tuesday night that she passed away on Sunday from advanced breast cancer. She had been fighting it for 6 years.

Noreen was only 37 years old. Doing the math, she was 31 when she was diagnosed. Her youngest child (9) never knew her mother without cancer.

I had only met her once at a group meeting. She spoke about being at peace with her fate and would accept whatever happened to her. She had been very ill as her latest treatment wasn't working as well as they hoped. Despite that, she was very positive about getting better.

Obviously the other members of the group knew her much better than I, so it was very voyeuristic sitting there as they shared their grief and memories. I imagine that the meetings will continue to be tough in the next few weeks.

I urge every woman that is reading this blog to go and get your regularly scheduled mammogram. I've met several women in the past year with various kinds and stages of breast cancer, and I've come to know it as an ugly monster. Early detection is your best defense.

I hate to sound like a Public Service Announcement, but it is important.

Today's TV rant: Extreme Home Makeover
What are the criteria for determining what makes a "deserving family". Sure, crappy things may have happened to these people, but do they really "deserve" it? Makeover a Camden row home and then I'll buy into the concept.