I am starting to collect gifts to put under the tree. And yes, my new hobby is influencing the choices. As you all know by now, I love Christmas time. Always have. This one will be the third since my dance with the big C. It makes it even more
The Mall Christmas tree is up! No big deal, I hear you say. Except that this year it is. It’s a different mall and I live just up the road on the edge of the Hemel en Aarde valley. I am one of those strange birds who actually does love
October. The month of a tragic accident that changed the trajectory of my life, the month I resigned from a job I loved dearly and the month that my beloved mother died 21 years ago. It is also the month that truly marks the beginning of summer here and the
So much has changed in a year. For all of us. It feels a little surreal and as I add the last wild flower to my cosmos painting, I giggle in disbelief. Who would have ever thought I’d paint anything? Twelve months ago, I was completing the final radiation session
This time last year, I was approaching the end of a long tunnel and realising that laughter had played a vital role in recovery. I haven’t forgotten that. Suppressing fits of hysterical giggles is just part of who I am. And they often come upon me suddenly, inappropriately, embarrassingly. If
A year ago, I was laughing hysterically about my ‘excellent lungs.’ And this morning I thought of it. There hasn’t been enough laughter lately. Sadly. ‘Cause here’s the thing. Laughter is part of the healing process. And no, I’m not joking. Cancer and Corona are hardly laughing matters. I too
Early July 2021 and my silver pixie hair has not only grown but has miraculously turned back to its original colour. I’d embraced the grey. Clearly my body had other plans. It’s astounding really and I am amazed by the myriad of miracles it has pulled off, all without my
Chemo seems surreal these days. And yet the neuropathy lingers on. I can live with it. I am immensely grateful to be here. But here is my question. Can I still learn to Tango if I can’t feel some of my toes? I’d really like to. It’s been on my
A year ago, I was still having hypnotherapy sessions with the legendary Dr Jeffrey Rink. When I got sick, I knew I needed to see him. I was sure about that and my delightful GP and homeopath pulled every string possible to secure an appointment. The moment I leant back
There’s nothing quite like scanxiety to make me pause and re-examine my life. My drive to the hospital on Friday was filled with prayers, promises and dreams to manifest. I tried not to focus on the blurry screen. I also (unsuccessfully) attempted to block out the radiographer’s scary murmurings. But
Gail Gilbride 