I have had breast cancer for thirteen years. Seven years passed from my initial diagnosis, to my first reoccurrence. A flurry of treatments followed. Normalcy returned, and all was quiet for three more years. I thought, “This is behind me. I will be fine.” I was wrong. Treatments and the disease became more aggressive. The realization that I may die set in. This newfound understanding was life changing.

The minute I read about Hope in Bloom, I cried. I knew a garden was exactly what I needed. The stress of chronic doctor’s appointments and cancer monitoring had taken a toll on my family. The day of the planting was the most beautiful experience filled with amazing goodwill and love. I have never felt so cared about by so many people all at one time. My husband, Gary, and I will never forget this moment in our life.

We love to go out to our new backyard to sit on our bench and watch the birds and the butterflies. It gives us a chance to pause, to be alone with nature and with each other without the chaos caused by this disease. It is a very spiritual experience.

I love to tend to my garden. I care about each flower, each leaf. I love and nurture the plants, and they bloom over and over as if they love me in return. This garden is a gift. I can’t wait until next summer to see what blooms first. Now, I actually look towards the future because this garden has given me the gift of hope.

2008 Update: My Stage IV breast cancer is now in remission! Eight months after my garden was planted, I received the remarkable news from my oncologist. The medical community cannot explain this miraculous turn of events, but I can. I know my cancer is at bay is because of prayer, superb doctors and the healing nature of my garden. Even in the winter, knowing it was outside my door kept me thinking happy thoughts. My garden gave me a psychological boost no drug could match. It helped reduce my anxiety, strengthen my immune system and allow me to heal. I have been humbled by this gift.