Cancer bites.

Cancer bites. A big part of the reason that keeps me vegan is fear of cancer, or rather a stubborn refusal to ever get it. As you may know, my father died of colon cancer a few years ago, my paternal grandmother died of brain cancer, and my aunt and grandfather had some skin cancer. So, I've already got the family history working against me. I just learned that yet another friend's mother has passed away after a battle with cancer.

These are the mom's of childhood friends who were a big part of my growing up as well.

Here's to Maggie's mom for always stopping for french fries at Tony's on the way home from nursery school and for having me over for countless dinners including my favorite, shake-n-bake. To Ginger's mom who used to write notes from the dog to tell us where she was while we raided the fridge after school. And to Kristie's mom who I think of every time I see Sally Field and who always seemed to catch us doing something silly. She would always just laugh at us about it. You are all missed very much.

Etching by Kristie Betts Letter