It started with a walk through a door…
And into a garden at one end of a bridge.
It was shaded with trees, and the sun poked through the holes where the branches intertwined. We set off to the other side, each of us making our own quiet journey. Each of us thinking of our own wish.
I carried mine, balled up in my fist, then unrolled it when I stepped onto land again.
I carefully added it to the thousands of other wishes, fastened under the shelter.
It’s one of many. Similar to some, like the one that simply requests a “Cure.” Different from others, like the one that wants to be a “world-famous dog trainer” when they grow up. The same as all of them in that it’s someone’s sincere wish.
I left it behind in Sevierville, TN, willing it to work it’s magic.
Jamie’s baby girl is scheduled to be born October 15th. She’ll undergo chemo, radiation and a double mastectomy shortly after that.
During a trip to Tennessee last weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to zip line for the first time ever at Foxfire Mountain Adventures. When I heard about the Bridge to Prosperity there, and that people could hang wishes in a covered bridge, I knew in that moment what I would write on my paper to hang in the winds that blow through those mountains. Jamie has been on my mind a lot lately.
If you missed the post where I talk about her diagnosis with advanced breast cancer at 6 months pregnant, please read it here.
Best for Babes has stepped in to help run a fundraiser to support Jamie AND to help educate medical professionals on early signs of breast cancer in the lactating breast (Jamie, until recently, was breastfeeding her toddler). Our goal is to raise $10,000. There is no amount too small to make a difference. If you’d like to donate, you can do so by going here. It’s tax deductible.
Available now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- 55Shares
10 comments
Absolutely stunning photos for an incredibly emotional message. My prayers, as always, are with Jamie and many others like her that are fighting that fight. This is a wonderful thing that you did for her, Jill. Truly beautiful.
Thank you, Crys. I’m just happy to do… something.
You have such a good heart, Jill. I really admire your will to help other people.
Thank you, Molly!
Hi, Jill!
I am the new blogger for foxfire mtn. adventures, but I’ve worked in the office and known the family for years. We were all so moved by your post. Magic occurs in these mountains every day–we are all willing it Jamie’s way right now. I’m still learning how to get it all going on with the blog. I’ll try to get your message up shortly, along with your link if that’s ok. Keep on with the good stuff–Holly
Jill, you captured this place so beautifully. As you said, there were so many wishes for cures and healing… I pray that they all come true.
I also hung a wish there. Such a powerful moment.
[…] In fact, this is the same place I crossed a bridge and tied my wish in the wind. […]
You are wonderful. I mean, truly wonderful. The pictures coupled with the prose is just so powerful. I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 months into her pregnancy. It’s been 5 years and she beat it! She beat F’ing cancer! Jamie will too. She is a warrior! Thanks for sharing her story, and for being wonderful.
[…] traveling partners admired the covered bridge full of wishes blowing in the wind. I was caught off-guard by my strong emotional response to the cairns. The sign on the property […]
[…] What else can I do? Oh, how about taking a rugged Bear Crawler ATV tour to a historic Civil War Iron Mine, waterfall and 19th century graveyard all the while splashing through creeks and up and over steep mountains. Then cross America’s longest swinging bridge and make a wish in the wind (get your tissues ready and read more about that here). […]