Jill Brownie
I am 69 years old and have been married for 43 years with four sons and
nine grandchildren and am now retired.
I enjoy photography, cooking, decorating, outdoors, walking the beach,
family and friends.
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 49 and had a lumpectomy,
chemotherapy and radiation. I just completed my second round of breast
cancer twenty years later, again I had a lumpectomy and intraoperative
radiation therapy.
My inspiration the first time was my four sons, husband and family. This
time was totally different which brings us to the Dragonfly.
The dragonfly symbolizes: change, transformation, adaptability and self-realization.
The change that is often referred to as its source in emotional understanding
the deeper meaning of life and accepting new beginnings.
In 2007 our granddaughter Kammie was born premature. She was with us for
seven years. I was very fortunate to be able to quit my job and help care
for her. So why the dragonfly... my mind went to Kammie and all the dragonflies
that surrounded her room, gardens, wall hangings. She smiled so when her
mama showed her them.
I then made a memorial garden in our backyard with her favorite colors
of flowers. It is for all to come in and enjoy and to try and find the
dragonflies. The grandchildren so enjoy it! Anyone that knew Kammie, knew
she could light up a room with her smile. She touched so many lives. She
never was able to walk or talk, it was her smile that communicated to all.
If my granddaughter fought the sickness she had for seven years then I
knew I could do it again. This is what inspired me, and she always will.
Funny how something as small as the dragonfly can be so powerful.
If you come across a dragonfly it is a reminder to live life to the fullest
and appreciate every moment. But mostly the gifts we receive along the
way. Kammie and her Dragonflies were our GIFT and my INSPIRATION.
Message to other women:
Rach out to other women. Their arms are open. The first time I went to
the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.....totally would recommend this,
the most overwhelming, great feeling that you are surrounded by so many
going through your walk. I have 18 years of medals from this.
My inspiration the first time was my four sons, husband and family. This
time was totally different, which brings us to the Dragonfly.
The dragonfly symbolizes: change, transformation, adaptability and self-realization.
The change that is often referred to as its source in emotional understanding
the deeper meaning of life and accepting new beginnings.
In 2007 our granddaughter Kammie was born premature. She was with us for
seven years. I was very fortunate to be able to quit my job and help care
for her. So why the dragonfly... my mind went to Kammie and all the dragonflies
that surrounded her room, gardens, wall hangings. She smiled so when her
mama showed them to her.
When we lost her, I then made a memorial garden in our backyard with her
favorite colors of flowers. It is for all to come in and enjoy and to
try and find the dragonflies. The grandchildren so enjoy it! Anyone that
knew Kammie, knew she could light up a room with her smile. She touched
so many lives. She never was able to walk or talk, it was her smile that
communicated to all.
If my granddaughter fought the sickness she had for seven years then I
knew I could do it again. This is what inspired me, and she always will.
Funny how something as small as the dragonfly can be so powerful.
If you come across a dragonfly it is a reminder to live life to the fullest
and appreciate every moment. But mostly the gifts we receive along the
way. Kammie and her DRAGONFLIES were our GIFT and my INSPIRATION.
Chair Location
White House Black Market at The Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410