We had only discovered geocaching about 5 months before we got the news that SkyTurtle, at the ripe old age of 34, had developed Breast Cancer. A lot of people would not handle the pressure as well as she did. She has been determined not to let her cancer diagnosis ruin or rule her life and joy, and has maintaned a upbeat and positive outlook on life. Even on the bad days, she remains cheerful, so as not to put stress on our young children.
On December 10th 2012, we got the final diagnosis, that indeed, it was cancer. Then we went geocaching to help distract us. (GCR78R)
On January 29th, 2013, she had her first surgery. Before entering the hospital, we grabbed a geocache just outside. (GC39ACY)
On February 25th, 2013, we needed to go to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth for another opinion regarding more surgery. Guess what we did while there? (GC19FAR)
Even after she developed Neuropathy due to the side effects of chemotherapy, which left her unable to work the buttons on a GPSr, she insisted we go camping in Pittsfield, and attend our first Mega-Event. (GC3G4AY)
As I write this, I'm not just boasting about how great my wife is to make people envious or jealous, but to hopefully inspire others who develop life-changing medical conditions to not become their diagnosis. Take joy in the little things, and control what you can. Keep smiling, and keep caching!
On the the cache. This cache is hidden at the Swansea Little League fields, about 15 feet into the woods. Depending on the time of day, there aren't many people around, but obviously if there is a baseball game under way, you might want to reconsider and come back another time. I hid this cache during a rainstorm, so the coordinates may be a little off, but the hint is pretty spot on. If your coordinates are off, please let me know and I will take a better reading the next time I visit the cache. You are looking for a camo three quart container. If you bring your kids, take the time to explain to them that cancer isn't a death sentence, but it can be a reminder to live. The cache was moved slightly due to some clearing of brush and tree. NO stones need to be moved!