Weaving Dreams: The Joy of Work, The Love of Life

Chapter 29. Horizon of Hope: Finding Courage in Illness

It's interesting to sit and watch kindergartners draw rainbows. With tongues wagging and brows furrowed, they tenderly pull waxy crayons from their boxed home, scribbling a rainbow of color with purpose. The product is generally a basic band of colors inspired by the prettiest of Crayola's practical eight-pack.

It must be said, however, that the world that we live in today comprises so many more shades of light. The prism now available to artists and non-artists alike provides seemingly endless color choices, where the slightest tone variation is deemed worthy of acquiring a new identity. Crayola has been whimsical and imaginative with its latest names; I find the following particularly fascinating:

• Macaroni and Cheese

• Fuzzy Wuzzy Brown

• Jazzberry Jam

• Wild Blue Yonder

• Purple Mountains' Majesty

But as much as I appreciate the creativity and kid-friendly humor, in my estimation there is one color that needs no embellishment, no elaboration.

• PINK.

Over the last 15 years, one look at this word conjures up a buffet of thoughts, connections, and reference points. For me and many others like me, pink equals Breast Cancer Awareness.

Having lived through a scary misdiagnosis myself in 2003, I can attest to the jolt of worry and perspective that comes with hearing the word cancer. Though I was spared from any serious health concerns, I understand the mental shuffling of years to come, imagining key events being played out when you're no longer ...