Earlier this week, my Facebook feed was filled with love, Valentine’s Day greetings, messages and images of love in all its forms. I saw parents and children, couples (of all genders, races, ages), love expressed to communities and “helpers” and love for friends and country. They were incredibly touching, especially when I think about what happened less than 24 hours later in Florida.

But the posting that touched me the most was Heathere’s, where she celebrated her 5th anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis.

I first met Heathere in 2007, shortly after I started my consulting business. She was warm and outgoing, upbeat and knowledgeable. She was also extremely generous with her time, sharing her experiences and sound advice with this novice businesswoman. She quickly became my role model, and I’m glad to say, the relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship.

Heathere’s live changed for the first time when she and her family moved from DC to the Los Angeles area about six years ago. She was just settling into her new live on the West Coast when it changed again. She learned she had a particularly nasty — and advanced — form of breast cancer.

The news was devastating to all of us who loved her and were so far away from her. But my dear Heathere, my friend and role model, set an example for all of us who would face challenges. She did it with courage, with humor and with exceptional strength.

Heathere shared it all — when she was celebrating a victory, when she was so sick from the chemo that she could barely leave her bed, when her pre-teen daughters were distraught at seeing their mom so weak, when she was angry at the world for putting her through all this. Her genuine emotions were often difficult to read, but I so respected her for not wrapping everything up in a pretty pink bow.

She also shared her knowledge with us — what her treatments entailed, what alternative therapies she had considered and was testing, and what we as women could start doing to minimize our own risks.

When she made it through surgeries, chemo and radiation, and started to work on her next phase of life, we all rejoiced with her. And now, five years later and in remission, Heathere is healthy, happy and celebrating every day.

So when I was diagnosed with cancer, one of the first calls I made was to Heathere. Not because I was looking for anything in particular, but I wanted her to know that her cancer journey would serve as a “recipe” for me to follow in the days and months ahead. She was the one who encouraged me to start this blog, and I’m so happy she did.

Thank you, my dear Heathere. You continue to be my role model and I’m honored to call you my friend.

Thank you also to my friends and family who continue to reach out to me and check on my progress, offer their support and send their love. I want you to know that the positive energy you send lifts me up every day. I love you all.

One closing note: Round one of chemo is in the books. I had round two yesterday, and so far I’m feeling pretty good. Will be going to my quilt guild sew-in this afternoon and hope to last for at least four or five hours. Either way, I will be in my “happy place”, seating behind my 1950 Singer Featherweight, with pretty fabric in front of me and surrounded by talented and inspiring quilters. And that’s something to celebrate.