[Andrea Barnett Budin]

WE ARE EACH SPIRITUAL BEINGS, WITH A MIND THAT DWELLS IN A BODY -- HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE. The Spiritual Realm is our true home. Who we are, your Truest Self, is a Soul! I have learned this from reading and personal experience, since breast cancer came to me in 1995 when I was half a century old. Old enough, and desperate enough, to allow myself to OPEN to previously unknown possibilities.

There are two ways to live your life.One is as though nothing is a miracle.The other is as though everything is a miracle.(AlbertEinstein)

We live with Teachers and Guides and Guardian Angels walking with us, to guide and protect us, leading us where we need to go. These entities are just over your shoulder, a breath away. They can speak to you through your Inner Voice. They can also send you *signs*, in various forms. Please, Sherry, do not become freaked out by such blessings of love and reassurance.

I too wish I had read your original post. Maybe I sound weird to you, but I believe with all my heart in what I am saying. Maybe I have just become old enough to feel comfortable being *me* and sharing my beliefs. Usually they inspire others, though no doubt some think I'm looney. I'm okay with that. Especially when there's a chance I might touch another's person Soul and awaken it. It's worth the risk I think.

The day before my mastectomy, in July of '95, I walked out my back door and straight into my pool. I went right down the steps, not concerned as I usually was with the initial shock of cold, heated though I kept my *lake look* pool. I walked through the shallow end to the edge where the floor suddenly tilts down, into the deep end. I teetered there, shoulder deep, my arms outstretched and gently moving my hands, treading water rather effortlessly, tiptoeing mostly on my big toes. I wanted to feel alive, experience Life as fully as I could, cherishing each sensation. It was a glorious blue-skied day. I lifted my chin which was touching the water to the sun, my head falling back. It was all so serene and magnificent. I felt the warmth on my face and was reveling in it. Wanting a bit of pink for my cheeks in preparation for my hospital stay. The mastectomy and tram flap reconstructive surgery would mean 5 days and nights in the hospital, none of which I was looking forward to, but for cutting the cancer out and away from me.

Suddenly came the most powerful and authoritative *thought*! Or was it a force greater than me? Was it my Soul talking to me? What I felt profoundly was this -- I'VE SEEN THIS MOVIE, AND IN THE END, THE HEROINE LIVES! From that moment I KNEW I would survive! I knew that *I* was the heroine. Subsequently, I have read that in the Spiritual Realm, before coming to the Physical Plane, we (or our Souls)*view* our lives and agree to all that is to occur, to help us evolve and learn, to act as Messengers for Others whose lives will be touched by ours. We consent to our assigned Purpose, in effect signing a contract with the Universe. In Life, when we follow our passion, when time seems to fly by as hours pass, when we feel inspired, creative, deeply gratified and extraordinarily grounded -- we are *on purpose*! We are each here to grow and help others with love.

Thank you, Sherry, for sharing your experience. Don't be shy about saying what you saw, odd though it may seem at first. Breast Cancer Survivors have the unique openness of sensing miraculous happenings, recognizing them and accepting them, inexplicable though they may be. With the diagnosis comes a certain wisdom that was unattainable before. I hope you'll read my story on the Community Board. I'd love to share it with you. Because I wish for you all, my sweet Soul Sisters, to become STABLE/NED.

When I went in to the hospital just prior to my dreaded mastectomy, a passing nurse saw my gurney being wheeled down the hall. She asked me, How are you doing this morning? It was the crack of dawn. Then she stopped, balancing on her toes, and waited for my reply. Good! I said with enthusiasm. Good for you, she responded, a bit surprised yet pleased. They took my blood pressure. 120 over 80. I FELT ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE. Going where I was being led. Calling my desired destiny to me, with the power of my thoughts and vivid imagery. IN THE END, THE HEROINE SURVIVES... Andi