In Her Shoes - Thank You

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA - Here at Vera Bradley headquarters last Friday, the family that I call mine decided to throw a celebration party. It was to mark the 5th year cancerversary. For cancer patients, that’s a big thing because for most people the five-year all clear means you can do things that you weren’t able to before; you’ve crossed the big marker. You can get insurance now (as long as you aren’t on continuing chemo, drat for those of us who have to), you can wake up in the morning and think "hey, I might just be ok today!" and you can declare yourself a survivor. I know a few people who prefer the term thriver, but I don’t really care what you call me as long as I’m around to hear it. I’m good.

So there were many people at this party, some of whom were there for the start of my journey, and oh what joy it is to see their faces every time I can. There were new friends, there were bosses and co-workers, there were so many for whom I am eternally thankful. Some weren’t able to be there but sent me sweet messages anyway. How many people are so blessed, so fortunate to have a team of people around them who not only know that these kind of anniversaries exist but what they really symbolize … outside the world of cancer workers, I mean.

So to you, my family of Vera Bradley - I love you, I thank you, I tell everyone every day how wonderful you are. Yes, Vera Bradley bags are fun. Functional. Pretty. Happy. But they do so much more, they mean so much more, give so much more. They mean the world to me, because they helped me when I needed it the most. And they continue to be there, and not just for me. I am allowed to help others as my full-time job. Have you ever heard of a better gift?

Ok, maybe a pair of pink Ferragamo shoes. Nope, my job is even better than those gifts.