To start, I have to say these QQQ years have been the BEST OF MY LIFE. And that’s something, because my life has been nothing short of grand. (Thank you, God.) I have experienced the deepest clarity, love, and peace (even w Trump as f-ing president.) There have been two downsides. First, all the time I have spent in medical facilities, but I cherish the many connections I made with my doctors, nurses (I love nurses!), and other patients. Second, missing out on exercise. Running, road and mountain biking, and intense fitness classes (y’all know I love Cor4), were the first to go, eventually followed by longer walks and even not so long walks... But then I pivoted and was able to enjoy other outdoor activities such as paddle boarding – where what’s lost in adrenaline is more than made up for in scenery!

And so, I apologize if this is shocking and I was not able to tell you personally in advance of this post. In January of 2024 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. It is terminal. I am currently under in-home hospice care.

It’s been a phenomenal life. I have loved Bruce since I was 17. If my kids were to accomplish nothing past where they are now, I will always be proud beyond measure of the good, thoughtful, creative, quirky-humored (I could go endlessly on) people they are. I have been surrounded by the embrace of friends and community my whole life. And still, some of my most treasured encounters have been with strangers. But are we really strangers? I have seen and been touched deeply by the beauty of this world. I have also been incredibly fortunate to have felt God’s presence throughout the entirety of my life. I am not afraid (sweet friends, we are all going to die), but I am sad. Yet, I am not living in sorrow.

Now a couple of requests:

1. DO feel free to FB message, email or write me. Please know that I will appreciate all correspondence even if I don’t respond.

2. DO NOT send gifts. Y'all have the biggest hearts, but we're asking for no help at this time. We want to live as normally as possible for as long as possible. That means no deliveries of any kind... flowers, food, teas, blankets, restaurant gift cards, anything. In the past, these were heartfelt reminders of the love and strength of our family and friends cheering us on. Now, it would feel like a constant reminder that the end is nearing. Thank you for your understanding of this matter.

I may or may not post to FB in the future, but Bruce will update this FB page after I die. There will be a service at University Presbyterian Church, https://upcch.org/. I hope, in a long time, we can all share hugs in the grandeur I anticipate comes next.

For a little summary of my life, visit https://www.sharonebstevens.com/curriculumvitae. But how can one encapsulate a life? I do, however, like the graphics that started this post and hope that it rings true to some of my earthly actions. Even if it took a long while to get here – ha!

Because I love bullet points, here ya go:

Some of you I have seen and not shared with you that my cancer had returned. The months after my diagnosis, it felt dire and my family was in an extremely fragile state. As the medications started to take effect, I was once again given a life to live, albeit with death gently looming in the background. Thank you for unknowingly giving me the gift of normalcy in our interactions.
If you want to follow the Stevens family after I am deceased and are not currently FB friends with Bruce, he will gladly accept your friend request.
I’ll be posting a couple more things onto Facebook. They’re mainly for my family, but feel free to enjoy if you’re interested.
I’m throwing this out to the universe (without Bruce’s knowledge or consent). I give Bruce a 10∞/10 star rating in the husband department (and many other departments). It is one of my deepest wishes that he finds love again.

And lastly, what have I learned over these past QQQ years? CONNECT!!! I am so grateful for my friends who have made extra room in their lives for me. Weekly, I always had phone calls, get togethers, and Zooms to look forward to. As important, were connections I consciously made with strangers. My kids will tell you, I’ve never had a problem with chatting up a grocery store clerk. But I started to search out ways to interact with others and compliments became the easiest way for me. Some times it was just a “that color looks fantastic on you” and a smile. Other times it developed into something magical. Now I can’t turn it off. If you can generate a connection, you (and the other person) will be better off for it.

I wish you an overabundance of highs, a minimum of lows, and the verve to see yourself and your loved ones through it all!

Love & the deepest peace, Sharon

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1. Outing photos

I went on day trips by myself from the NC mountains to the coast and into VA and SC. Along the way I listened to music, podcasts, my church’s worship videos, talk radio; cried; sang; and enjoyed the silence. Always with ice cream!

2. Spotify Playlists, Google Docs: Go/ Do, Movies

3. Years of sec/day