My love for those close to me who have been subjected to the ravages of breast cancer is immeasurable. I have watched them struggle, persevere, and thrive following their journey after diagnosis. Once I was talking with one of my dearest girlfriends about how she was feeling not long after she was diagnosed, and she was expressing feelings of guilt and doubt for feeling sad and dejected. I responded by saying, "Why wouldn't you feel sad right now? Why wouldn't you be angry? Why wouldn't you have more questions than answers and have a sense of dread right now? As a devoted mother and wife, why wouldn't you be worrying about how this was going to impact your family? And why wouldn't you be worried about your future…you have breast cancer and that's a big, damn deal." My point being, I think we need to normalize, validate, and vocalize the emotions that are TOTALLY NORMAL for anyone going through this and not suggest that they should buy a cheery sign at Hobby Lobby and be strong through it all. You won't be and that's ok. You are human and are a precious, fragile, and fierce person that is facing a major detour. You are entitled to whatever you are feeling about whatever happened today. So embrace the gift of emotion, cut your self some slack, and know that your journey is unique and you can define and process it however you need to. My prayer and hope for you is that you will have the support and resources you need throughout it all and that your best days are ahead.