The Comfort Heart

The Hero's journey is long, but the path is made easier by those he meets along the way. Family and friends play a huge role in helping the Hero reach his final destination.

And so it is with me. Checking the mailbox has long since moved from the mundane to a small adventure each time I place the key in the lock. More often than not the cards outnumber the bills, and today was no exception. I received cards from the Colorado team, my friends at the Southville Church of Christ and my cousin Helen. Inside her card, Helen tucked a Comfort Heart suspended on a silver chain.

The Comfort Heart initiative was started by Carol Ann Cole, a breast cancer survivor and former VP of Bell Canada. I once heard her speak at a graduation and was moved by her story. Both Ms. Cole and her mother, Mary Cole, were diagnosed with breast cancer in January 1992. Unfortunately Mary died in December of that same year. Originally from Nova Scotia, Ms. Cole purchased several "Worry Hearts" which she passed out to family and friends who found holding the hearts during stressful times help soothe them. Ms. Cole took the idea to the next level and in cooperation with the Canadian Cancer Society and OceanArt Pewter (owned by May Ocean and her sister, Linda Power -- also a cancer survivor) developed the Comfort Heart, proceeds from which go to cancer research within Canada. Today over 170,000 of these hearts have been sold, raising more than a million dollars. It just goes to show how a little idea can have a long and lasting effect. Thank you, Helen, for the heart, the love and for supporting future research.

Yesterday was a lazy day. I spent it alternately reading and playing Zelda. My allergies have been bad the past few days and yesterday I woke with congestion, a sore throat and no motivation. Today is somewhat better. My throat has improved and I can breathe. Rob took part of the day off and he played nine holes of golf. I walked the course with him. I didn't think I'd have the energy to swing a club and my hands are little swollen, which I'm sure would make it a little hard too.

Speaking of hands, I have developed a slight rash on my right hand. It could be drug-related, or more likely, I've gotten into something. Fortunately I have my check-up tomorrow and will ask the doctor about it.