SMILING THRU THE TEARS

I was born in Trinidad many moons ago. I am the daughter of  Rafael deLeon-          " The Roaring Lion." a famous Calypsonian, Author, and one time Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago. His music was used in Captain Ron,  Beatle Juice and the old movie " Happy go Lucky."He also entertained the troops in WW11, and performed in Vaudville.

I came to this country, in 1970, to live with my Mom and I am now a proud citizen of this country. I have written poetry, short stories and plays since the age of eleven. I attended an all girls Catholic Boarding School on a neighboring Island. I lived with the priests and nuns for the better part of my childhood. I grew up playing duets on the Piano and the Organ with my aunt who raised me durng my impressionable years. She insisted on proper grammar at all times; children must be seen and not heard, and she made me write essays and short stories everyday. She  insisted in me keeping a daily journal, and she made me study the dictionary like it was a She played the organ for the church. I crochet, I knit, I sew, and I do embroidery. I also like art , yes, I can draw(smile). I am a jack of all trades. Do you remember the saying the devil finds things for idle hands and minds to do...Well my aunt was a firm believer in this. There were always lots of things for me to do.

I worked, as a Consultant, on Wall Street for many years. I was  downsized in 2002. My department was outsourced to Europe. After all the stress of my father dying, and the terror of 911, with coworkers and friends dying; I was traumatized.However, I didn't realize it. There are certain images that are now forever etched in my mind. I never thought of seeking Professional help, maybe I should have. In January of 2003, I awoke after a disturbing dream...I dreamt, I awoke from Anesthesia in an operating room and was told by the Doctor at my bedside that I had Breast Cancer, and he had removed my right breast. It turned out to be a prophetic dream. I went to the Doctor, and after convincing her that I wasn't insane, she referred me to a Surgeon. I had a Biopsy in August of 2003. The results, as you know by now, were positive.After a Mastectomy, and six months of Chemotherapy and six weeks of Radiology, with God's mercy- Here I am. Out of all the pain and suffering, the agony and the victory( no not the defeat)...the Victory, came my book-

Smiling Thru The Tears- A Cancer Survivor's Odyssey. My journey of discovery.