October is National Breast Health Month, so I thought I would tell you about my friend Ellen and her amazing book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings. In her words, "The text of this book was originally written as a gift for my cousin Nanci Hersh, an award winning artist, to help her find the right words to tell her 3 year old and 5 year old boys about her cancer. Several years after her successful fight with cancer, and some gentle nudging on my part, Nanci agreed to illustrate the text I had written for her boys.
As you will discover, several of Nanci's exquisite drawings capture the reality of cancer in ways children can easily comprehend. There are also many other illustrations that suggest ways in which a child can help someone who has cancer and, in the process, empower the child. Once our endeavor was completed, we realized that Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings was much more than a storybook. It had evolved into a resource that could be given as a gift and used to educate and support many other children who are facing the cancer of a loved one."
Ellen is a dear friend of mine who wrote the book a few years ago. Little did we know at the time that we would struggle with our own dear friend Crystal that was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer this past November, and passed away in April of this year. During the four months that Crystal was fighting Ellen guided her through the process by helping write journals to the three children and husband that would be here to live without her physical presence. The journals that she left behind are the most amazing gift to all of her family. Ellen was there to drive to appointments, cook dinners, and be a shoulder to cry on. She is an amazing person that really has an amazing capacity to love.
You can read about Crystal's life here. www.CaringforCrystal.blogspot.com
It is an amazing book, and I have one to give away, just leave me a comment, and I will pick a random comment to receive a signed book from Ellen. Not only can this book be helpful to you or a loved one. It can also be helpful donated to a library or cancer center.
It was also very comforting to my parents to know that Ellen was keeping an eye on me when they couldn't be here during my accident. She is the airport shuttle extraordinaire! I love her. I have great friends, and she was my first friend in Denver. (we're old)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. My mother in law is a lung and breast cancer survivor so I know how it is a bit, though I've never had to explain it to a young one, sounds intriguing! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out my blog also! I'd love to be featured in an Argyle Annonymous post, luckily I've gotten my fix for this Halloween :)