Refreshed. That’s how I feel after spending time at what I like to call my cottage. It’s actually just a small house in a neighborhood that’s about 15 minutes from the beach. It reminds me of the first home Eddie and I owned in the town of Edenton. It too was near the water, the Albemarle Sound, and I loved that little house.
The house originally belonged to my youngest son. He bought it when he first got out of college and needed a place to live near the high school where he would be teaching in the small coastal town of Southport. When he needed extra space for his growing family, Eddie and I bought it as our getaway place and as a plus, we could visit more with his family. I have since renamed it “The Cottage”.
When I drive into the driveway it’s like I leave my real life behind and focus more on simplicity. We only have the things we need here. It’s sparsely decorated with older furniture and the upkeep is minimal. Don’t misunderstand me, I love my fulltime home and it is a beautiful place but here I seem to be able to let go of my worries. It’s quiet and I focus more on my writing because there’s no TV! I find comfort when I spend a day at the beach. I talk more to God and listen to Him more.
I love being able to share this cottage with my family. It gives them a place to refresh as well. That brings me joy. I know I am blessed to be able to have “The Cottage” for this season in my life. I hope you can find a place even if it’s in your own backyard that you can go to and let go of what troubles you for a while. I pray that you come home refreshed.
Blessings, Cindy J
Footprints of Hope 
Hi Cindy,
I came across your blog while searching desperately for long term survivors of TNBC. I was recently diagnosed and have finished all chemo. Waiting on surgery and radiation. There are really not very many stories about longterm survivorship and anything I came across was overwhelming and scary. I’m grateful for your complete healing. I am looking for my “ cottage” away and hope to find it soon. Be blessed
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You are right in that the information about TNBC is not always encouraging. I am going on 12 years and feel blessed for EVERY day! I’ve had a lot of setbacks with my health but fortunately no recurrence of the cancer. I try to stay positive but there are days when I pull out the pity pot. That’s allowed! You’ve been through a tremendous fight and you still have a while to be on this treatment journey. The best advice I can give you is to keep it real, rest if you’re tired and cherish each day. If someone tells you they can’t help with a problem you’re having as a result of your treatment, there are alternatives like restorative yoga and therapeutic massage. Blessings to you and thanks for your encouraging words about my blog. It’s comments like yours that keep me writing.
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