We ARE family

 Hi, it’s me- your soulful sunflower again🌻


Oh what a night! Happy early birthday dad!!! I’m sorry we aren’t celebrating exactly how you initially planned. I always like to steal the show apparently! 

First off, I want to say thank you to my dad and step mom. They just drove 2500 miles to get here to spend time to take care of me, like get out of here- that is soo kind and sounds pretty stressful. My dad was pretty nervous about flying right now, so they decided to take a trip. I know my dad probably won’t say a whole lot about my situation, but I know it triggers him too for everything we went through with my mom. Having this gene definitely always has you looking over your shoulder. I’m very grateful to have family that will stop what they are doing spend a lot of time to come out and make sure I am well taken care of. This won’t even be the last surgery. So they will need to come back and help me at least once and maybe twice. Once again, the word I think sums it all up is grateful. I could not have done this without both Ann and my dad. I mean honestly this was what Ann did for her career. She’s like a pocket nurse! I don’t have to get the run around and she knows exactly what to look for and how to take care of me. I laugh thinking if it was just me and my dad we’d probably be in the ER more than I can count because I am a hypochondriac. I don’t mean to discredit anyone as my dad took amazing care of my mom, but I just know me, I freak out about it all!! So I’m incredibly grateful for Ann’s background! Very lucky or as my old boss would say, we create our own luck:) 


I am working just a little bit more, and I still find myself very fatigued. I go up and down, but I’m amy to do a shout out to some of my work friends who have also become family to me. I have my work husband Hal who is always checking in on me and made me this beautiful turquoise bracelet for ovarian cancer awareness. I absolutely love it and plan to put it back on after surgery. I love that he makes me laugh and is so genuine and kind. I really love my job, as my passion for nutrition is Sooo BIG!! Then there is Sharee, which omg... life saving.. let me tell you... we met at training, and ended up being roommates for training. I am soo thankful that we met, I knew we would be friends forever too. She is so kind and so helpful!!! We definitely lean on each other with questions and just support and listen whether it be work or personal! She is so beautiful, kind, authentic and supportive. I am forever grateful of all the relationships I have made in my 1 year tenure at Abbott. Like I said soo many people that have helped shape in just this short year. So many things that improved in my life because of my job and I have no regrets. I’m super eager to get this surgery and get it over with but I also realize it’s all a process. I also have people like Meredith, Laura, Stacey, and Kelli Joe who have been so kind to me and motherly and really showing me the ropes, which I am incredibly blessed to have. 


I’m really not sure entirely what is making me the most nervous. I want to write more about this, but I must process it all first:) but I promise more to come!! Shout out to Ivette, Mike and Kristiana on the most beautiful flowers. You know your family’s love and support is held so close to my heart. The sunflowers were a beautiful edition. They are right next to my bed! 





I also want to add my best friends who have been there for me through it all... Jeff has been my beStie since what feels like forever, I mean basically before my mom passed away. He has basically been an uncle to me and so much more. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He can literally talk me down from any situation! 

Then there is Tim! Or as he likes to be called Dr. P. Hahahah. He is just so funny, even when sometimes he takes it too far 🤪 he is so kind, generous, real and we are The very best travel companions. I just love that we can go places and just laugh til our belly hurts. It’s hard to find friends like that, so let me tell you when you do, you hold on tight. He is going to come here when my dad and step mom leave and I am so excited to be able to just have movie nights or go and explore or even sit in a golf cart and watch him play golf. I am hoping my tummy will be less inflamed so we can belly laugh!!! 


Thank you to everyone who has reached out, sent me things- your kindness and generosity has not gone unnoticed!! I am definitely overwhelmed and humbled by the messages, the support the gifts, everything! So much love to you all!!! To all the girls who are previvors and connected with me, WE rock!!!!! 






Sincerely, 


Soulful Sunflower 🌻

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