Hi my name is Cari (actually Carianne is my full name). I started this blog to chronicle my journey through breast cancer. Not only to share my story in hopes of helping and connecting with others facing a breast cancer diagnosis, but also as a way to keep my family and friends updated and in the loop as things progress and it might be more exhausting to be constantly sending out the same update. I’ve always found comfort in writing, both as a cathartic release & expression of my emotions, and also as a way to share my experiences with others.
A little bit about me: I’m 45 years old and happy to say that I’m married to THE most amazing guy, Brian, and we’ll be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary at the end of May(2021). We have two sons Tristan (& his wife Tara) and Jax. We are dairy farmers in Northwest Iowa and we also have a trucking company with a fleet of “milk haulers”.
The name of my blog, “Illuminating Shadows” struck me as appropriate as I’ve always sought to be a light amidst darkness. I guess I was born with what one would call a “Pollyanna Spirit” …just ask my family…I’m a firm believer that God makes all things beautiful in His time…I know that as difficult as this next phase of life might be, I’ll be able to find small things to be “glad” about along the way. And I’m looking forward to finding out how this journey I am embarking upon will transform my Spirit…I’m sure it will be in ways I can’t even begin to fathom at this time.
Illuminating Shadows 