Before breast cancer, my days were spent taking care of our house, my husband and driving my teenage son back and forth to school and his many activities in Rhode Island. Our long car rides gave me an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with him about life beyond high school. I was happy. Everything changed when I had a routine mammogram and learned I had breast cancer. Instead of my days revolving around my family, suddenly the roles were reversed.

In an instant color disappeared from my life. Doctors and technicians in white coats became part of my world as did ice cold treatment rooms with pale walls. My walks down stark and impersonal hospital corridors did not help matters.

When I bonded with another mother during a chemo session, she told me about Hope in Bloom. I was elated. I knew I was not going to be able to take care of my own garden. Hope in Bloom and my friends at the Norfolk Garden Club have given me something beautiful to look at every day. It helps me stay positive as I go through my second round of treatment. My yard is filled with colorful flowers. I sit outside in my garden and have lunch with the butterflies.

I look forward to being the loudest voice in the stadium at my son’s football games.