ContributionsThe Planet Cancer book (2010) The Writing ExperienceI wrote the lower piece to the right (starting "I am from a past...") exactly one week after my husband of 11 years died. My wonderful friend, Jan, had been inviting me for years to participate in writing groups through Sutterwriters. Mike died on a Tuesday, which was usually his regular clinic day, and when I had the opportunity to write with this amazing group on the following Tuesday, I took it. I am so glad I did because the writers, the method, and the pen-n-paper have been such a powerful healing presence in my life, especially in the first two years. I still write regularly in (and out of) weekly groups and have facilitated a Writing as Healing group through UC Davis Cancer Center. My hope is to introduce others, especially young adults affected by a cancer diagnosis, to this method of writing developed by Pat Schneider and the Amherst Writers & Artists. and have been trained by Pat herself in the AWA method! | Written PiecesHope is marvelous, miraculous. At times when needed most, it may be elusive or non-existent. Then, suddenly, when you think hope is gone, it peeks around the corner, giving a coy wink, daring chase. The hide and seek continues, not a game but real life and real death when the difference of outcome may be influenced by relentlessly searching for hope, grabbing hold of it and not letting go. Sarah Wenstrand 5 November 2008 Written during one of Sharon Bray's monthly Writing Through Cancer sessions at Stanford. She also hosts an amazing online forum with weekly prompts if you are interested in writing but don't live nearby. I am from a past, a place with a pause on present and future. This past I am from included you. Those other times -- other times I can't even fathom to think of now, yet catch myself yearning for -- a time unpaused. Those other times, they will be without you, or at least without your body. It's been a week on pause. A week today. And the only future I can picture right now is tonight when I attempt to find a place to set your ashes. Sarah Wenstrand-Moore |