As 2012 draws to a close and we look forward to 2013, I realize I have two new blessings in my life.  January 11, 2013 will be one year since my surgery for stage 2 breast cancer.  I was diagnosed in December, 2011, and as of Dec 10th, 2012, I have been given the ALL CLEAR after my mammogram and check-up.  I feel truly blessed and so thankful that this year of chemo and radiation is over, and  I can now focus on my favorite activity--gardening and helping in the greenhouse at Crossroads/Second Chance School in Roswell. I am a Master Gardener and my dog and I also  spend almost every Friday morning at Orchard Hill at Bulloch Hall, leading a group of volunteers in transforming a hilly mess of privet into a beautiful garden and pathway down to a reclaimed pond.

My second blessing that has helped my recovery and enabled me to return to my gardening pursuits is finding the wonderful people at TurningPoint. Even though I thought I was recovering well, I was beginning to have the dreaded issues with arm strength, swelling, pulling and aching.  It was becoming harder to handle the tools and pots--and I do love to dig in the dirt!  Thankfully, one of my fellow gardening buddies recommended TurningPoint for help.  The physical therapy, massage therapy and guidance over the last three months have helped me 1000 percent to recover and function normally again.

I owe my strength and ability to function (and garden!) to the terrific therapists at TurningPoint. Thank you, ladies, for giving me back my dirt-digging ability! I look forward to participating in more of the programs offered by TurningPoint in the New Year.  Such a great opportunity!

 Leslie Foley,  dirt-digger extraordinaire.