So I have this second mom. Well yeah, fuck that, that's what I call her so that's what she is. She was my real-deal kindergarten teacher who became best friends with my mom and from then on to this very day, she will always be Mrs. Stark. She basically was my second parent and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Anyhoo, she has this pesky problem with getting cancer all over her body since I can remember but each and every time, she kicks the shit out of it. About 2 years ago she was diagnosed with evil, evil cancer and when I heard, I bought one of those cheesy LiveSTRONG bracelets (before they were popular thankyouverymuch =p). I wore it every single day until one night it was ripped while wrestling with a red-haired and freckled irish gal named Molly. Now granted, we had both devoured a bottle of wine between the two of us but god damn if she didn't sew it back like a champ in 2-3 minutes at 3 in the morning.

It's been almost two years to the day and the stitching was finally going so I tried to fix it today. It took me almost an hour to do so, several puncture wounds to the thigh and thumb and one needle through the finger but it's back to all it's glory (see figure 14b).

(figure 14b)


Now the reason I write this story is that not only was I never meant to sew, something funny happened when it was ripped. The next morning I was told her t-cell count went horrible down causing her a trip to the hospital if memory serves. I also have been burning a candle for her for almost two years straight. Every single time I come home and it has burned out before I could light a new one, I received bad news within 24 hours.

The lesson...? Shit happens in mysterious ways folks. You may not believe it but I am firm believer that there is something up there looking out for us all.

And don't worry Mrs. S, the bracelet is 250% stronger now. Just like you.