http://www.pbase.com/johnireland/image/55079591

dear autumn winds surround me now
reminding me of cherished leafy pals
colors of my life that will never fade
october is breast cancer awareness month

i have lost treasured people to this disease
i have witnessed awesome survivors battle
one inspires me more than words can describe
sweet cindi is such an awesome artist of pure heart

i wish that my dear sheila had earlier detection
for we would still be sharing heartfelt life joys
her spirit flows and i see her in each leafy pal
she began my tearFULL 1998 of tragic losses

a teacher partner of mine also lost her struggle
her breast cancer invaded along with her diabetes
i felt helpless watching her drift away day by day
she gave her unconditonal all to lost grandchildren

my mom's two beloved aunts became stories
due to breast cancer in years that held no hope
one sadly passed away on her 48th birthday
inspiring her treasured niece to avoid the same fate

i hear lately how mammography rates are declining
while this devastating disease is running rampant
why i must share my photo and poem for sweet cindi
powerhouse of a strong woman everyone should know

i first ran across her galleries through a mystical force
my eyes soon became flooded with bittersweet tears
unreal how one life is able to reach countless others
her haunting portraits are gifts of the purest healing

"17" wishes and hopes for all thrivers to unite in making breast cancer a plague of the past... :):):)

dream~~~dare~~~dive!!! :):):)

inspired by sweet cindi smith and all her peer thrivers...

dedicated to sheila rush clay, lonnie singleton, dorothy jean williams, elizabeth hesselbein and the countless victims who are now departed...

and, yes, sweet cindi smith, all you have done and are doing is worth your infinitely amazing fight!!! :):):)