A tribute to September's Outstanding Sisters

Vickilynn began it
with a few words to invite connection
that strengthened and grew each day in September.
Word by word, post by post,
a soft silken skein of empathy
stretched across distance
and wiped away unfamiliarity.
Avatars gave way to faces
then - shyly - newly bared bald heads appeared.
and we all marvelled at the courage there.

The threads of love caressed us
as we sat in the big armchairs,
symbols of our future health
but also of sickness, fatigue, pain and indignity.
We all knew the dread of the next treatment date.
The Eeyore Days and the Tigger Days:
the humour, shame and anger,
support and care, bewilderment and loss of control,
and the wild, bumpy ride that is breast cancer.

We've been held together as the months go by
knowing our voices are heard
as our posts are read,
and we reach across the miles
to gently caress and offer strength
and receive it in return.

By Neece 15th Ocotber 2009