There is nothing on this planet like the force of a loving, brave, courageous, and resolute mother.
It comes through in every line you wrote, and in what you’ve built beyond it…. A beautiful testament your children will carry with them and hold onto… that strength is not a single moment, but something lived and passed down.
Catherine... thank you for this. "Strength is not a single moment, but something lived and passed down." That line just gave me chills. You understood exactly what I was trying to say. I'm so grateful you read it tonight.
Jill, thank you. That's exactly it... this is how we support each other. I stayed quiet about this story for too long. Sharing it feels like the beginning of something bigger. I'm glad it reached you. ❤️
This is my daughter, my life, when she was younger. (See Below)
It makes me proud that more and more women are standing up and taking a position for themselves, their families and communities. If men do not honor those women we are failing as men.
There is nothing more beautiful than a brave women!
I lost the love of my life to weak blood vessel in her brain that gave way about three weeks after she gave birth to our beautiful daughter. They think that the stress of labor is what caused it.
But I will tell you that if she had known she would still would have wanted our beautiful daughter.
She was also a very beautiful woman...
Our daughter is also a very beautiful woman, the bravery shows in the eyes she got from her mom! I am a lucky man and father!
But while I wait to be with her again I sometimes question myself!
Bravo Joann, beautiful. As you may know, I am also a breast cancer survivor. Mine at 50, one side. But every year I am invited to speak to grad research students at Harvard Medical School about journey-they ask amazing questions, and my story is much like yours in many ways. Bravo to you on all of it. Beautiful photos, sending love.
Julie, thank you so much. Reading your comment is its own gift. The work you do speaking to Harvard med students... the ones who ask amazing questions are the ones who will change how the next woman is treated. 25 years for me this month. Sending love right back to you. 💕
Hi Sue. I’m new to “writing out loud” .. so I want to sincerely say thank you for your encouragement and reflection from your point of view. This means a lot to me. 🤗❤️.
I also want to say I am very glad that you connected with me because I’m enjoying everything I’m reading on your Substack. Your sage perspective and your way of communicating are gifts. ✨
I am looking forward to your live session today 🤗❤️
Reading this reminded me how much I’ve always admired your strength, perseverance, and hard work in all aspects of life. I’ve had the privilege of seeing it firsthand when I reached out after receiving a difficult call and I’m still so grateful for your support. Your words will help more people than you know, and I have no doubt you’ll continue to weave gold into your journey. 💛
🥹💕 oh wow… Your message took my breath away for a moment. I’m really deeply touched by your words here. We’ve known each other since single-digit ages and here we are five decades later… I deeply appreciate your encouragement and also your reflection.
It’s clear that we should never withhold acts of listening and kindness because when that moment is upon us, it’s there for a reason and it can make such a difference in other people’s lives…More than we may ever know.
Thank you for being a dear to my heart longtime friend… And I sincerely miss you. When are we going for that walk? And I still have one of your platters at my house! :) Let’s do it soon. ❤️🤗
I just reread this again for the second time. I got tearful in gratitude for you and what a beautiful soul you are - inside and out. That golden thread and continuing your family’s legacy. What a blessing!
Dear Shannon, your comment made me smile and I am truly appreciative for your super kind words. I don't really feel as I'm amazing..I am just unveiling my heart and my knowledge and my vulnerable experiences. I'm hoping with all of this wrapped together it will reach places it's meant to reach. 💗
JoAnn, this is a beautiful essay that hits every emotion. I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read your story. It resonated with me on so many levels.
I hope this reaches the women who feel confused or it encourages someone to ask a friend to join them for a mammogram, even if they think there is nothing to worry about, at best, there is someone to celebrate a clean mammogram with after, or if there is unsettling news, someone to hear the information after the word "cancer," and to offer support. More importantly, your message of listening to your body and fighting for what you "feel" is so important, as we often want to believe the Doctors have all the answers, but they do not, and not every Doctor is a fit. Bravo to you for taking your time, listening to your body, and doing what was right for you. You have set such a great example for your beautiful children, and I am sure you have inspired, and will continue to inspire, many women with your words.
Thank you so much for sharing how my essay made you feel. This means a great deal to me .. more than words can say. I also hope this reaches women for all the points that you mentioned here .. especially using a buddy system to go to a mammogram .. because what better thing to celebrate afterwards when all is clear and having someone there just in case of unsettling news .. “being-there” is a human touch that cannot be replaced in any other way. 💗
JoAnn, you are such a strong and special woman. Thank you for sharing your story and being a force of love that touches so many near and far. Your grandmother and father are doing somersaults and backflips at how beautifully you are carrying on their golden thread. Everything you touch truly does turn to gold 😘 love you!
Neda... you just made me cry on Easter Sunday. "Your grandmother and father are doing somersaults and backflips"... I can feel them tonight, I really can. You always see me so clearly and know exactly what to say. Love you my dear friend! ❤️ 🦋 😘
Thank you for sharing this so openly….
There is nothing on this planet like the force of a loving, brave, courageous, and resolute mother.
It comes through in every line you wrote, and in what you’ve built beyond it…. A beautiful testament your children will carry with them and hold onto… that strength is not a single moment, but something lived and passed down.
Catherine... thank you for this. "Strength is not a single moment, but something lived and passed down." That line just gave me chills. You understood exactly what I was trying to say. I'm so grateful you read it tonight.
Beautiful…absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing with your community, that is how we support each other and build each other up. Just beautiful.❤️
Jill, thank you. That's exactly it... this is how we support each other. I stayed quiet about this story for too long. Sharing it feels like the beginning of something bigger. I'm glad it reached you. ❤️
Your children are beautiful!
You are truly blessed...
This is my daughter, my life, when she was younger. (See Below)
It makes me proud that more and more women are standing up and taking a position for themselves, their families and communities. If men do not honor those women we are failing as men.
There is nothing more beautiful than a brave women!
We are... The Sword of God!
Thank you!
Courage is always beautiful...
You are a very beautiful woman!
I lost the love of my life to weak blood vessel in her brain that gave way about three weeks after she gave birth to our beautiful daughter. They think that the stress of labor is what caused it.
But I will tell you that if she had known she would still would have wanted our beautiful daughter.
She was also a very beautiful woman...
Our daughter is also a very beautiful woman, the bravery shows in the eyes she got from her mom! I am a lucky man and father!
But while I wait to be with her again I sometimes question myself!
I’m very sorry to hear of your great loss of your wife so young. You’re very blessed to have your beautiful daughter.
So true...
The Lord dos not always give us what we want, but he always grants what we need. Sometimes it's not very pleasant.
Your sons have grown into handsome men. Your husband is a very lucky man. Mary and I had always planned on at least three children.
Thank you for your kind words; I rarely (Almost never) discuss my life. I was really touched by your courage.
May the Lord Bless and keep you and your family!
Dan
This is so beautiful and inspirational. ❤️ So glad you are sharing your story.
I am so glad to see you here!!! Your work is so important!! ❤️
Bravo Joann, beautiful. As you may know, I am also a breast cancer survivor. Mine at 50, one side. But every year I am invited to speak to grad research students at Harvard Medical School about journey-they ask amazing questions, and my story is much like yours in many ways. Bravo to you on all of it. Beautiful photos, sending love.
Julie, thank you so much. Reading your comment is its own gift. The work you do speaking to Harvard med students... the ones who ask amazing questions are the ones who will change how the next woman is treated. 25 years for me this month. Sending love right back to you. 💕
You are a beautiful storyteller. I'm so glad you listen to your instinct. It's powerful!
Dear Maureen, thank you for your warm heart and thoughtful support.
So beautifully told. Grateful for you and your beautiful family that you followed your instincts.
Thank you for sharing your touching story JoAnn. Your family is beautiful 💕
Dear Sue. Thank you for your very kind note. I deeply appreciate it more than words can express. 💕
You are an inspiration to all women JoAnn. I hope you know how much 🤗❤️
Hi Sue. I’m new to “writing out loud” .. so I want to sincerely say thank you for your encouragement and reflection from your point of view. This means a lot to me. 🤗❤️.
I also want to say I am very glad that you connected with me because I’m enjoying everything I’m reading on your Substack. Your sage perspective and your way of communicating are gifts. ✨
I am looking forward to your live session today 🤗❤️
Reading this reminded me how much I’ve always admired your strength, perseverance, and hard work in all aspects of life. I’ve had the privilege of seeing it firsthand when I reached out after receiving a difficult call and I’m still so grateful for your support. Your words will help more people than you know, and I have no doubt you’ll continue to weave gold into your journey. 💛
🥹💕 oh wow… Your message took my breath away for a moment. I’m really deeply touched by your words here. We’ve known each other since single-digit ages and here we are five decades later… I deeply appreciate your encouragement and also your reflection.
It’s clear that we should never withhold acts of listening and kindness because when that moment is upon us, it’s there for a reason and it can make such a difference in other people’s lives…More than we may ever know.
Thank you for being a dear to my heart longtime friend… And I sincerely miss you. When are we going for that walk? And I still have one of your platters at my house! :) Let’s do it soon. ❤️🤗
I just reread this again for the second time. I got tearful in gratitude for you and what a beautiful soul you are - inside and out. That golden thread and continuing your family’s legacy. What a blessing!
Oh my gosh, Sherri.. I just read your message three times and I got teary eyed reading it.
Honestly, I’m humbled by your heartfelt response.
Thank you for taking the time to write a note and let me know how my essay landed in your heart and mind.
I’m so glad it found its way to you🤍✨✨and I’m so glad we’re friends.
You are so sweet and have a beautiful heart🤍✨✨
So grateful you're sharing your story and guiding the way for others to conquer this as you have. You are amazing!
Dear Shannon, your comment made me smile and I am truly appreciative for your super kind words. I don't really feel as I'm amazing..I am just unveiling my heart and my knowledge and my vulnerable experiences. I'm hoping with all of this wrapped together it will reach places it's meant to reach. 💗
JoAnn, this is a beautiful essay that hits every emotion. I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read your story. It resonated with me on so many levels.
I hope this reaches the women who feel confused or it encourages someone to ask a friend to join them for a mammogram, even if they think there is nothing to worry about, at best, there is someone to celebrate a clean mammogram with after, or if there is unsettling news, someone to hear the information after the word "cancer," and to offer support. More importantly, your message of listening to your body and fighting for what you "feel" is so important, as we often want to believe the Doctors have all the answers, but they do not, and not every Doctor is a fit. Bravo to you for taking your time, listening to your body, and doing what was right for you. You have set such a great example for your beautiful children, and I am sure you have inspired, and will continue to inspire, many women with your words.
Congratulations on this new adventure!
Thank you so much for sharing how my essay made you feel. This means a great deal to me .. more than words can say. I also hope this reaches women for all the points that you mentioned here .. especially using a buddy system to go to a mammogram .. because what better thing to celebrate afterwards when all is clear and having someone there just in case of unsettling news .. “being-there” is a human touch that cannot be replaced in any other way. 💗
💖🌈 thank you for sharing. Truly blessed to know you 💖🌈
JoAnn, you are such a strong and special woman. Thank you for sharing your story and being a force of love that touches so many near and far. Your grandmother and father are doing somersaults and backflips at how beautifully you are carrying on their golden thread. Everything you touch truly does turn to gold 😘 love you!
Neda... you just made me cry on Easter Sunday. "Your grandmother and father are doing somersaults and backflips"... I can feel them tonight, I really can. You always see me so clearly and know exactly what to say. Love you my dear friend! ❤️ 🦋 😘
I am truly blessed to know you too, Laura-Marie 💗 🦋