It seemed fitting on our 4-year wedding anniversary to donate my wedding dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer. It was a little sad to see it go, but it felt right. I hope someone feels as happy and pretty in it as I did. Mom, that wedding dress shopping day was the best! Bon voyage to my beautiful Reem Acra gown!
Letting the dress go also reminds me to enjoy the present moment, breast cancer treatment and all. Jim and I have had 14 great years together, and this year has really shown me new and wonderful things about the strength of our relationship and the character of my partner. How lucky am I to be married to my best friend? Sound cheesy? Too bad, it’s true. Jim I adore you, Happy Anniversary.
A lovely day. A wonderful marriage. Happy Anniversary.
you are an amazing woman.
(you give ME hope – I’m not sure that’s how this is suppose to work, but what the hell.)
xoxo,
-m
You are a fabulous woman! Can’t wait to hang more with you when I get back! Xoxo, Al
Lovely…in all ways. Here’s to getting through another round of chemo, and 14 more years with that man of yours. Happy (belated) anniversary, you guys.
Thanks Shemily!( Remember you introduced yourself as Shemily? )Ha.
Happy, happy anniversary to you and your best two-legged friend! I am so happy that you have such a supportive, funny, loving, understanding man to stand by your side during this whole process. I also think your donation of the dress is a wonderful gesture, though I can’t imagine how she can live up to the grace and generosity of its original owner. Love you, Al!
love you too missy!
Alison,
Obviously from the comments of your friends, your writing continues to evoke deep emotion among your friends and followers, myself included. It is so obviously personal, truthful, and touching. Patty and I pray for you during your continuing treatments and recovery.
On a lighter note, we were blessed to have dinner with your Mom and Dad recently, along with Claude and Kathy Rollin, and always enjoy our time with them. I once calculated that your Dad and I have taken about 150 trips together around the country in our work lives and I’ve always enjoyed his company. Took our annual Fall drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few days ago.
Many blessings to you and Jim!
John
Thanks John. It makes me happy that my Dad has a great friend like you! 150 trips is a lot, I bet we have heard a bunch of the same jokes 😉 Lots of love to you and Patty, and thanks for continuing to check up on me and cheer me on!
Al, thankyou for sharing this terrifying,touching,sad,funny and always thoughtful and well spoken journey with all of us! You are a BRAVE soul to lay it all out there! Love you and hope that there are more good days than bad! Love, Kari
Thanks Kari. Love You!
What a beautiful act of generosity. I know more women who wouldn’t part with their gowns than who would. You just made that exquisite garment more precious.
Thanks Shakti!
Alison,
Just read your blog from start to finish. You’re an inspiration and an incredible, and very beautiful, young woman. I’ll be looking for future posts.
Alison,
What a beautiful gesture. That dress was a masterpiece – such a perfect match for you and that day. Now you have passed it along with all its goodness to someone else. Surely it will never look the same. Like your relationship with Jim – the story for the dress didn’t peak – it’s getting more interesting, stronger and more beautiful because of you unselfishness. Love you Al. Thought of you all day on this last Chemo day.
Happy tears! Thanks Lis! I love my wonderful aunt.
PS. I kept the shoes. 😉
Well of course……
Alison,
Unless Our information is incorrect, today, November 8th, is your birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
John and Patty Reich
Yes, Nov. 8 was my Birthday! The big 3-5. Thanks John and Patty!