My daughter Colleen started the journey of this coin a few years ago. Well actually, she was the first recipient of the coin from her friend, Betty. Colleen hung onto the coin for years as it reminded her of the only man she really ever loved.
Colleen was diagnosed in October 2019 with breast cancer. She fought with chemo treatments and a mastectomy, only to learn the following year that there were now cancer cells in the other breast. She quickly had the other breast removed as well. She went through the pains of reconstruction surgeries only to learn a year later that the cancer had once again returned in her lymph node and was now inoperable. She was given the option of treating with medication, but the diagnosis was terminal. She researched her options and decided to live her best life with the time she had left. They gave her 6-9 months. She lived 18 months.
Colleen had a best friend in high school, TINille. They were typical high school friends, spending time and making memories, they managed to get into all sorts of trouble together, as high school girls usually do. (Not unlike her mother) They were together when Colleen met Joe Carroll, the man she would eventually marry. Although the marriage didn't last, She never lost the love that she had for him. Joe died shortly after the divorce and this is when she first got this coin.
After reconnecting with TiNille, Colleen gave the coin to her.
After Colleen passed on from this earthly life, TiNille sent me the coin as a comfort and to remind me of the love Colleen had for her friends and family. I am not quite ready to part with it. The day will come and the thoughts of her won't be so raw. When that day arrives, I will share it with another. I miss you baby girl. Thank you TiNille for being her friend and loving our family.