Behind My Smile Was a Battle No One in the Crowd Could See

My first round of chemo happened just as summer was beginning.

We had promised to take our boys to their first MLB game to celebrate the end of school, and I was determined to still make it happen. 

Shifting Modes, from Cancer Patient to Mom

The week before, I was dealing with some rough side effects, and the day of the game, I was worrying whether anyone would notice my thinning hair. 

But before we left, I put on a baseball hat and a smile, hoping to give myself one day where cancer wasn't the focus.

By the time we reached the ballpark, all I cared about was making memories with my family… showing the boys around the ballpark they had only seen on TV, letting them enjoy special treats, and getting to see the Phillie Phanatic mascot up close.

What Others Saw vs. What I Was Thinking

To everyone around us, I was just another mom at the ballpark.

No one would have known by looking at me that I was in the middle of breast cancer treatment, or that I had so much on my mind; and four days later I’d be starting my second round of chemo.

And I didn’t know then that two days after this photo, I would be shaving my head.

That's why kindness matters so much. You never know what someone is carrying behind a smile.

If you’re fighting to weather a storm and get through some bad days, know that there will be good days too. Celebrate them by doing things that bring you joy with the people you love. 

When I look at the photos from 3 years ago, and at the one we took at the game this year, I only see joy and love.

Someday, your own “then and now” photos will remind you of how much you’ve overcome. 💗

#whatworkedformeweds