P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to Freebie Friday! We’re inching closer and closer to summer and I for one can’t wait! In July, my very generous grandma is treating the whole family (20+ people) to a Caribbean cruise. We’ve been planning this family reunion (via ship) for over a year now, so we’re getting excited it’s almost here.
A couple of weeks ago, our plans almost came to a grinding halt when my grandma went in for her scheduled mammogram and discovered she had the early stages of breast cancer. At 76, she’s still very active and enjoys designing wedding dresses and beating me down the ski slope in her free time.
Here's my grandma with her youngest grandchild, Carter, in 2008.
As you can imagined, our family pulled together to offer our support. After meeting with her doctors, grandma elected to have a full mastectomy in her left breast and reconstructive surgery – all in the same day. The doctors give her a 99% survival rate and say she’ll most likely not need chemo.
I’m happy to report that her surgery this week went very well and all signs point to full recovery. She kept telling the doctors, “I need to have surgery right away. I have a cruise in six weeks that I just can’t miss.” Gotta love her can-do attitude, especially since cancer, at any age, is a formidable opponent.
I realize that our family is very lucky and many women have lost their battle with this disease. This Sunday is National Cancer Survivors Day and I now have reason to celebrate. I’m also happy Paper Crafts has joined forces with Creating Keepsakes to bring awareness to our Creativity Heals campaign. The mission is simple: donate your time, creativity and supplies towards improving the lives of others. Whether you send a get well card to a friend, a miss you card to a deployed soldier or an encouragement card to a family member, these small acts of kindness can brighten even the darkest day.
This Believe in Your Dreams Card is in our A Card a Day book (p. 66). Designed by Stefanie Hamilton, Stefanie herself is a breast cancer survivor:
The sentiment says, "Never stop believing in dreams and never stop dreaming of believing."
This next card by Ryann Salamon is in our Creativity Heals feature in the July/August issue (on sale June 15):
I love Ryann's simple, but powerful Hope Card.
In honor of my grandma, I’ve got three prize packages that celebrate her favorite hobby: sewing. Three winners will each receive Hambly Screen Prints’ Couture Paper, Overlay and rub-ons, Cornish Heritage Farms’ Sew Special stamp set and Dimensions’ Handmade Embroidery Kit. Leave a comment telling me someone who’s been an inspiration in your life. Whether a loved one fighting cancer or someone with an indomitable spirit. All comments must be received by midnight (MDT) on Sunday, June 6.
Three lucky winners will take home this fun prize package!
“Sew” grateful for Grandma,
Kelly
P.S. Make sure you check back here on Monday when voting begins for Gallery Idol! Our Top 20 finalists have been given the “Creativity Heals” theme for round one. Voting begins at noon (MDT) and will go through noon (MDT) on Thursday, June 10. Our online community will determine who moves forward in the competition!
My grandmother that passed away last year has always been such an inspiration to me. I was the oldest of nine grandchildren and she always made each of us feel special. She took the time to teach me to sew and cook over the years. She had the natural talent of sewing and quilting without patterns and she was amazing.
My greatest inspiration was my Father. Always on the go and never tired. Always took care of his family and never let us know if there ever was anything going on or things were bad in our family. I never did without even when there wasn’t anything, we never knew it. He was always busy and took care of everyone before himself right up till he couldn’t take care of himself anymore but made sure we fulfilled any of his prior obligations. I took care of him till he passed and it was probably some of the most extordinary wonderful times in my life to REALLY get to know my Father and loved listening to his stories growing up, his life on the farm, and when he was in the Navy. I am very blessed and honored to be his daughter and miss him everyday but I know I will see him again one day. Your Grandma sounds like one very special women and you are very blessed to have her, treasure your time with her, it will be some of your fondest memories. Thank You and Many Blessings!
I just lost my daughter last month and I admired how she handled her suffering. She is in my heart forever.
My grandma took care of my grandpa, who had both cancer and emphysema, until about four years ago. Then, within months, she was diagnosed with cancer. But she perservered and is almost 83 and still living on her own and quite active! She is the kindest, most gentle, loving and giving person I have ever met. I strive to follow her amazing lead!
I am blessed to have many heros in my life. One of those great people is my Uncle Randy. He is a positive, fun, amazingly clever, caring man. He has sacrificed money and his time for me to enjoy the hobby of racing go-karts for fifteen years. He was always the wind beneath my wings and always stood behind me. It astounds me what he gave up for me.
My mother has always been an inspiration to me. She had surgery this morning and has blessed me with an opportunity to help her over the weekend.
My grandpa has aways been an inspiration to me. Born in 1900 and died in 1993. He had his own mechanics shop at his house which he worked in until age 90. He was always a hard worker ann taught us what love was all about. He never said goodbye, but always so long. In his later years he dealt with depression and cancer. Stayed strong until the very end!
Cancer has touched the lives of many friends and family and each one gives me little bits of inspiration – but I think my step mom showed me how despite the fact she was losing her battle with cancer, she fought with dignity and put her grandchildren at the front of everything she did. She wanted to make sure they got time in with her even when she wasnt feeling 100%.
So many choices but give the sewing theme, will mention my grandmother who had the patience to teach me how to crochet… not that I am still very good at it, but the best part about my Nana is the fact that she didn’t care if she or anyone else was good at it, as long as the process was fun and the end result was functional…. inspirational in that acceptance is they key to happiness!
Kelli
I was so glad to hear that your Grandma is doing so well and that her cancer was caught early.
Thanks for supporting this cause. I can hardly wait to get my next copy of Paper Crafts Magazine.
My mom is my hero & special angel. She lost her battle with breast cancer 5 yrs ago this coming fall. She fought a hard 10+ year battle, but the Lord decided to take her home so she would not have to suffer any longer. My mom loved to sew, knit, embroider and cross stitch. She was a wonderful seamstress. I still miss her every day. There is just no better friend for a girl than her mom.
Enjoy your family reunion it sounds like to will be a really great time for you all. God Bless.
a good friend of mine has battled with breast cancer but remains one of the most positive motivated people I know. she works hard to keep healthy!
first- so glad your grandma’s prognosis is so good!
my mom recently had MAJOR back surgery, and watching her deal with that & the recovery with such determination & grace have been very inspirational- I’m so proud of her!
The first person to ever inspire me was President John F. Kennedy, and I was in the 2nd grade.
Thankfully I have no real close relatives who have had to suffer this. My dad’s cousin was diagnosed when she was 27. She her youngest was 2. She fought long and hard, enjoying every day for 15 years. Can you imagine. During the end hurt fight took her eyesight some. She was able to see her oldest graduate. She finally told her husband it was time. She passed away shortly after wards. She pretaped herself singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at her funeral. I was always amazed by her courage. She made me very aware of making sure I always stay up on self checks.
I’m so happy your grandma is doing well. Enjoy your trip!
What an amazing woman! Your story brought tears to my eyes! My grandmother was just like that, she had liver disease caused by Tylenol, but she had enough fight in her until the end to make it to my wedding – without comment or complaint about her condition. Strong women come from that generation, I can only hope to honor her by being so self-less. Enjoy your grandmother and your cruise!
My husband is an inspiration. He is strong by being patient and selfless.
My Dad was a wonderful man. He was my step father, but loved me like I was his own. And I loved him right back! He was always there for me, no matter what. At the age of 13 I had major back surgery, and was down for 3 months, flat on my back. When mom was at work, he stepped right in and did everything for me. And I mean every thing! I was so lucky the day he walked into our lives. And I was there when he drifted out. He lost his battle with cancer. But that was over 30 years ago! things have changed so much since then. I thank God for giving me the gift of him, and he stepped up when a little girl needed a daddy! I still miss him very much!
Glad to hear that your Grandma is doing well. My MIL is a major inspiration. She had a brain tumor removed a number of years ago and continues to live her life with a fantastic spirit and humour.
My mother, who died of Leukemia 14 years ago, had a wonderful spirit that still lives in my heart today. She overcame so much.
What a beautiful lady, what an inspiration.
Our 17 year old daughter is my inspiration. She has been working with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for seven years. She dedicates herself for months each year, working on fund raising for Cancer Society and a cure.
Her friend since first grade lost her father a year ago today to his battle with Lymphoma. As difficult as that is for her, she works hard in his honor in hopes others won’t have have the same seven year battle.
Way to go my girl!
My grandmother has had a wonderfully positive impact on my life. She died many years ago and I miss her terribly though her spunky spirit, laugh, and positive attitude are still with me.
I’m praying for your grandmother and a ‘fast’ recovery so you’ll all have a wonderful time together on the cruise. Such fun to look forward to.
I lost my friend Debbie, to a a brain tumor about 20 years ago. She left behind her husband and two young children. In the 8 months she was given after being diagnosed she never gave up her zest for life and I watched her encourage her family and friends to move forward and embrace life. She was a wonderful friend and I could only hope to be a fraction as brave as she was.
My mom is a great inspiration to me, she will help anyone!!! It’s so nice to live near her!! My MIL is also a great person too! She’s the best MIL!!! Love her! It’s too bad we don’t live closer, although the times we do see the inlaws its always soo much fun!
My greatest inspiration is my daughter. She was born with an injury to her right arm, but it has never slowed her down. We refer to the arm sometimes as her “lucky fin” just like Nemo. Lucky that it wasn’t worse, lucky that it doesn’t bother her and lucky that she has such a positive outlook. Lucky me!
My grandmother, Mimi, who didn’t have breast cancer, but underwent lots of biopsies, and lived with the fear that the next one would show that she had the “Big C.” Had she been diagnosed, she would have gone through like the trooper she was.
Sob, sob, all these touching comments! My girlfriend Kayle has just finished her last chemo round for breast cancer, and the paper loving girlfriend has done the whole thing with a smile. I am in awe of her strength. She’s got a cowgirl kicking cancer motto.
My creative journey started at a very young age due to the special friendships I had with my grandmothers. My paternal grandmother was into fashion, traveling, home decor, and pretty much anything hip and fashionable…she was a trendsetter with the best of them. My maternal grandmother was a florist, a magnificent cook, a baker, a seamstress, and had a never-ending love for books. So growing up around these two wonderful women made me the woman I am today. They’ve both passed away ~ they lost their fight to cancer, but every day I am so grateful to have been blessed to have them in my life for as long as I did.
My grandmother has had a wonderfully person in my life…she live together with my Opa till he died…even the Opa ever have another woman…she still love him…for me she is the best woman in the world…and she already pass away about 7 years ago..I miss her….
My Mom is my greatest inspiration, she not only fought through her breast cancer but through lung cancer as well. Unfortunately cancer won out in the end. However she taught me how to fight badness gracefully and without complaining. She was my best friend and I miss her everyday!
One month after starting her new job, one of my employees discovered she had breast cancer. She had suspected so, as she had discovered a lump while she was pregnant with her second child. She chose to wait until she was done breast feeding a few months to be sure. On top of that, she was experiencing problems with her husband, who was completely unsupportive with the first child, let alone once the baby was born AND he found out she had breast cancer. This remarkable lady has managed to go through all her treatments, take care of her two children and get divorced all in the last 13 months. Yet through it all she remains cheerful and upbeat — I can’t tell you how much I admire her. Thanks for sharing your story and allowing us to share ours.
I am so touched by your grandmother’s story. Your family is in my prayers. My mom has always been an inspiration to me. She has always worked so hard to provide for her family – at one point being a single-mom to two young girls, working full time and getting her college degree. All the while, never ceasing to making us feel loved and helping us learn to be self-motivated individuals. Today my sister and I are hard working professionals with careers we love because of who my mom taught us to be. Blessings to you and your family!
What beautiful cards. I’m glad to hear your grandma is going to be ok. I help organize the run for the cure in my community–it’s such a worthy cause.
my Grandpa for sure, he always was candid and told you what you needed to hear
My Grandma was an inspiration to me as well. My favorite word to describe her is feisty. She raised 10 children during the Great Depression. She always had fresh baked goodies waiting for whomever dropped by. And during the holidays, she always had pies – she baked one of each person’s favorite! She developed diabetes in her 70′s and though it eventually took her life, she fought it until she was 94. I miss her hugs.
My Grandfather is my inspiration. I never saw him angry. He was a Man of God and someone I’ve aspired to be like . . . but never quite get there.
My sister-in-law is an inspiration – she is raising 2 strong daughters as she keeps MS in check. She has a wonderful attitude and has been a blessing in my life.
I’m sorry to hear of your Grandmother’s illness and hope her treatment goes well.
My inspiration is our 22 year old nephew who was killed in Afghanistan in May. Attending his funeral last week brought home how all our service personel give so much and how humble these heroes are both those serving now and those that have served in many wars before this one.
Life has changed for us since Harvey left it but we honour his memory and life each day to the full xx
My mom…strong willed, stubborn and the most caring person ever! Recently, she went in for a check up and they found a tiny lump in her breast so they did a biopsy. She told the nurse that she wasn’t so worried about herself, but was more concerned that it’d affect her daughters if it was something. Always caring and putting others ahead of herself! I don’t know what I’d do without her.
My grandmother, mother, aunt and oldest sister have all had breast cancer and are all survivors. They have each chosen the particular path of treatment best suited for them and while my grandmother is no longer with us, I’m happy to say that she has passed of natural causes at the age of 94 and not cancer. Having so much in the family makes you especially aware and cautious and brings inspiration in many many forms. But these four ladies are definitely a constant source because of their strength and dignity in spite of their diagnosis.
My parents have always been an inspiration to me… they both grew up with tough childhoods, but didn’t let it affect them in adulthood.
Glad to hear that your Grandma will be just fine!! She sounds like a tough cookie… I like people who are feisty.
I have a co-worker whose husband has been fighting a very difficult battle with cancer. She has been graceful, hopeful, and full of peace and faith throughout this ordeal. It is not over, we are still praying. She has been a witness that I could only hope to be in this situation.
I’m inspired by my grandma. She was very positive through chemo and radiation!!!
My twin sister is my inspiration. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and under went a single mascetomy. Her faith is very deep and she is definite one lucky survivor and is very thankful for each day!
It’s a hard truth that each one of us knows someone that has been affected by cancer. It’s even harder when it’s you and you have children. I was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric bone cancer in my arm in 2005 and I had a 7 year old son and was dating my husband. My inspiration for beating the disease was my daughter. I had wanted a daughter all my life and that dream was one I was sure I would fulfill. Because of that strong desire and will I honestly believe it’s why I am cancer free today. And my daughter was born in July of 2007. I am one lucky mommy.
As a nurse I have seen many inspiring people lots of unpleasant battles.
My mom’s friend is a cancer survivor and I remember her saying from the first day she was diagnosed that she would beat it and she did.
My grandma was an inspiration to me, too. She prayed for me and I spent many weekends at her house and loved her dearly. She too suffered from breast cancer.
My grandmother was a great inspiration to me. I was in my teens when she passed away, but she was spry until the very end. I always thought she was only 76, but found out that she was almost 90 when she passed. I still keep a handwritten note she gave me to remind me of her love.
There are quite a few, but one who truly was inspirational to me was my sister-in-law. She showed my step-brother all the things he was missing by not putting your family and faith first! She was a miracle worker.
She’s now been gone since Nov. 2002, before her daughter was even a year old… it was a hard hit, but her strength still lives on in her 8 yr old daughter!
My mom always supports me in any venture I do she always makes me think I can do anything, so why worry.
There are so many inspirations friends, couples and parents. I’m sure I left out those parents who help me do better for my son and our new daughter including Super Nanny Jo’s show.