It Takes a Village

My dearest friends, family, friends of friends, friends of dogs, dogs, cats…..my tribe. My community.  Over the last month and a half, I have been so humbled and honored to receive the love, support, hugs, notes, gifts, meals, flowers, pictures, go-fund-me donations, Koda walks, medical support, emotional support, and genuine presence from all of you. Thank you. Truly, madly, deeply, THANK YOU!

I know I’ve said this to many of you, but the phrase “thank you” just doesn't seem to properly describe how truly grateful I am to have this envelopment of love all around me, lifting me up at such a tumultuous time.  It would be really easy for me to walk down the path of negativity and despair right now, but please know that hearing from you and having you show up for me and my family and framily in the way that you have brings me so much sparkle and sunshine every single day. I appreciate all of you and am endlessly grateful for my/our community.  Please keep reaching out and saying hi, it’s always a highlight of my day to hear from you.

I am doing my best to take each day as it comes and not get bogged down in future casting what’s next or how to manage it. This is incredibly hard for my planning brain, but it’s been a nice change of pace to take small bites out of every day instead of devouring 6 months in one sitting :)  I’m finding catharsis in spending time with my dearest friends and family–enjoying the amazing meals that many of you have shared with me (or are going to share with me!! Pre-thank you for those!) laughing, crying, telling stories, feeling the crisp fall air, watching the leaves turn, enjoying my incredible back garden (huge shout out to my framily for creating this beautiful space for me) and snuggling with Koda as much as possible. I definitely see daily bright spots, even on the hardest days. 

Round 3 chemo is scheduled for next week. While I have trepidation going into it, I’m

comforted by knowing I am surrounded by so much love and support from near and far.  I wish I could hug each of you individually, but until I can do that, please know from the bottom of my heart how much I genuinely appreciate all of you and how grateful I am to carry you in my heart.  

Sending love and hugs and gratitude-

Juliana