I envision myself as a mosaic of vibrantly hued glass, each fragment a testament to the multifaceted nature of my existence. This intricate window is more than a mere visual delight; it serves as a conduit between the depths of my spirit and the world beyond my skin. Composed of myriad pieces, each cracked and beautifully flawed, they collectively narrate the essence of my being.
In this kaleidoscope of self, you’ll discover tender pink shards, emblems of my nurturing heart; tranquil blues that whisper of serenity; regal purples that speak to my inner strength and honor; verdant greens symbolizing my continual growth and renewal of hope; introspective greys that reflect my contemplative nature; earthy browns that keep me rooted and secure; and radiant yellows that shine with the luminosity of my spirit and grace.
The myriad shards that compose my being are held together by the lustrous embrace of gold and other noble metals, each symbolizing the richness of love, the depth of relationships, the illumination of enlightenment, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and the serenity of inner peace. Should you pause to peer through this prismatic self, you will glimpse the core of who I am; you’ll come to understand the authentic me. My stained-glass existence reflects my life’s tapestry, marking the threshold between what is seen and unseen. In the light of day, I radiate and glisten, but it is in the embrace of night that my profound beauty emerges.
Life is fleeting, the journey takes many twists and turns with moments of achievement; where dreams come to life; and challenges are at every turn. My journey has been marked by adversity; as a first-generation immigrant arriving in the United States at the age of 2, my family sought a fabled land of prosperity. It was 1974 when they confronted the stark reality of American life with seven children in tow.
As newcomers, we navigated a labyrinth of challenges. Language barriers erected walls around us, complicating every interaction. Socially, we grappled with the dichotomy of preserving our cultural roots while integrating into the American fabric. The mythical streets, allegedly lined with gold, were but a mirage. My parents toiled tirelessly, yet financial security remained a distant dream. Nonetheless, our collective resilience and resolve bore fruit; we each grasped the elusive American Dream.
Life’s tapestry is complex, interwoven with threads of personal missteps, familial strife, and the relentless pursuit of fulfillment. Amidst these, I’ve savored victories and realized numerous ambitions. Yet, certain trials cast long shadows, eclipsing all accomplishments. For me, such a moment arrived with my breast cancer diagnosis in June of 2021—a stark reminder of life’s fragility.
With a family history shadowed by breast cancer, both my sister’s State-4 diagnosis and my grandmother’s similar battle, I was acutely aware that facing this disease was not a question of ‘if’ but rather ‘when.’ When the diagnosis came, it was as if the long-standing fear had taken form. Initially identified as Stage 0 Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), I braced for a partial mastectomy. Yet, the journey didn’t end there, subsequent pathology reports upgraded my condition to Stage 1A, leading to a second surgery and a lumpectomy. Thankfully, the spread was halted there. My path forward now included 18 sessions of radiation, a prescribed course of hormonal therapy to prevent recurrence, and routine annual screenings with 3D Mammograms and Breast MRIs.
Amidst the barrage of treatments and doctor’s visits, there lay a quiet, unyielding force that propelled me to move forward. It was not found in the sterile halls of the hospital or the vast expanse of online medical literature. It was in the gentle, reassuring grip of my husband’s hand, the one that had not loosened since the day the words, “you have cancer” disrupted our lives. His unspoken promise that this was just another obstacle we had to overcome together. Steve’s unwavering support was my haven, and my fears were met with hope.
And then there are my children – Cassandra, Alexander, and Sophie Angelina – each a unique beacon of light in the darkest times. The fear of leaving them behind haunted the corners of my mind, a quiet whisper in the night that threatened to unravel me. Yet, it is this very fear that kindled the fire within me, a flame of determination that could not be quenched. My children are the anchors that tether me to this world, the reasons I fight this battle with every ounce of my strength.
In the intricate mosaic that is my life’s stained-glass window, every fragment represents a cherished story or a treasured memory. The love and resilience of my family are infused in each luminous silhouette. United, we form an exquisite work of art, born of affection and an unbreakable connection. Along with the sunlight, we embrace the darkness, for both illuminate the profound beauty of our familial bond.