Featured!

I was featured at my favorite suppliers online catalogue today. She is a great inspiration to me. I shared with her what brought me to my designing and jewellery making.

Here is my story:

When I was fourteen I was diagnosed with PCOS. This disease left me with an endocrine system that barely functioned and little hope of having a family. We beat the odds and have five children. They range in age from 7 to 15 years old. We are a close knit family due in part to the fact that I have homeschooled them all (10 years now) and the trials we have overcome as a family. Thirteen years ago ,after the birth of my second child, I was taken to the oncologist with a large lump in my breast and armpit. I was scheduled for surgery and given the comfort that there had been great strides made in the treatment of cancer. Judging from the location and the size of the lump the doctor was certain it was cancer. I was only 21 years old. The lump was benign. I was very lucky. Five years ago I began to have severe health problems. After 72 days of uncontrollable bleeding I was scheduled for surgery yet again with the council of my doctor to “put my affairs in order”, and a kindly inquiry as to weather or not I had made out a will and given a standing appointment for chemotherapy the morning following surgery. This time uterine cancer was suspected. I was terrified. When I went in for surgery the doctor reminded both me and my husband that if cancer was found he would perform radical surgery to remove any affected tissues. I was in surgery for hours. When I awoke in the recovery room I was stunned to hear that there was no cancer found. The doctor had burned away a large amount of tissue and that it would only buy me a few years before I would need more invasive surgery again. After this second brush with cancer I decided to change how I viewed life. I grew up. Quickly. I stopped waiting for tomorrow and decided to live for today. I found the strength to work with my doctors and to get healthier. In December of last year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Many things that I wanted to do I now physically couldn’t do. One thing that was a dream for me I could do however. I had always wanted to design jewelry. I was what my mother called an ”old soul” I watched black and white movies, read historical biographies and was fascinated with ancient history. It was then that I found you ( my mentor and filigree supplier). Suddenly here was someone who had done the research and found reputable suppliers and manufacturers and was willing to share their knowledge. I was hooked. I could recreate the stunning jewels worn by famous women, black and white movie stars, historical figures, and ancient legends. I may no longer be able to travel to far away places or scuba dive or even drive some days, but I could make beautiful things that made other people smile and perhaps dream. I now sell some of my work online but most has gone to adorn my daughters, sisters and mother and my sons already have jewelry for their future wives. Thank you so much for a beautiful site that allows me to create small works from the heart. You have helped me fulfill a life long dream.

She decided to share my story with the rest of her clients and sent me this message that made my day:

Dear Robyn,

Your story is such an inspiration to me. That is one email I will always keep. It makes me so happy when I learn that the decision to share my experience with making jewelry has enriched someone's life. Thank you very much for taking the time to write your story. Your strength and dignity shows through in the way you've managed your life through all your trials. I'm so glad that you have your children and husband to share your life with. A family is such a precious gift.

May I use your photos and some of your story on my web site? I know that there are many other people who would also be lifted up by your story and the beautiful jewelry you have created.
I admire you tremendously.
Susan