This morning I got some really sad news - yet another dear friend of mine has succumbed to cancer. Her name is Donnell, and we met over 10 years ago when she was a young single mom of 2 babies, Paige and Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was less than a year old when she was diagnosed with cancer, and I was her Chemo Angel. But she did not make it, and she was one of the first experiences I had losing someone I loved to cancer. Donnell and I had become friends and we stayed in touch - Paige grew up and Donnell got married to a wonderful single dad several years ago and they had another baby girl. Life moved on, like it does. But Kaitlyn was never forgotten. This little being whose short life created a lasting long-distance friendship. You see, we never got to actually meet. We planned to, you know, some day. But some day never came for Donnell, and that just breaks my heart.
When I found out that Donnell had cancer last year, I was angry. So angry. I hate cancer so much, I'm so tired of hearing the stupid word. How can someone who had to lose a baby to cancer get it herself? Shouldn't there be some kind of freaking RULE that prohibits that? It's just not fair, damn it. She knew it was bad and she called me a few weeks ago to say goodbye. It was the most difficult and most meaningful phone call I have ever had. I can only imagine the strength and courage it must have taken to make those phone calls. And to know that I was important enough to her to be included in those phone calls... filled my heart with joy and love. We talked for almost an hour - or rather, she talked. I cried. She told me some very personal, private things that I'll always be grateful she shared with me. She thought of me like a big sister, and I wish so very much that I could have given her a hug in person. My heart is heavy today, and the only thing I can think of doing is memorializing her with some more ink. She would like that - and since she has always called me "Angel Jenn" I think it would only be appropriate to get angel wings in her memory. One wing for her, and one for Kaitlyn. Rest in peace, my sweet friend. I hope you are dancing with your sweet baby today.
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I used Rags the Zombie rubber stamp from Prickley Pear and Gauze Border die from Cheery Lynn Designs. I created my background by using alcohol inks and blending solution. Text is a sticker from SRM Stickers.
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Come play along for your chance to win a fun Prickley Pear Rubber Stamp set & die! I used Rags the Zombie again and Chain Mesh die from Cheery Lynn Designs. Papers are from Authentique. Peace.