Kōanga
4 October 2025
Thank you all for your generous koha. It has meant so much to me and to my children over the last few weeks, bringing some ease and comfort to our lives.
I have not been able to work due to the collateral damage caused by the drugs, and my immune compromised being.
I have so much gratitude for all the care, support, prayers, karakia and love we have been shown. There is such beauty and nourishment in human connection, compassion and kindness.
I have completed 4.5 months of chemotherapy now. It has been hard. I have walked hand in hand with my dark friends, Fear, Loneliness, Despair. Panic still hits me in the face from time to time, a feeling of being trapped in a rip. Surrender.
And yet, here is kōanga, and with her she brings Hope, Relief, Warmth. My garden brings me so much joy. The garlic is up, the blossoms on the nashi pear are out, calendula turn their happy faces to the rain.
Ironically, bilateral mastectomy is the next stage in this haerenga back to balance. It is scary. But my body is strong. I am needed. I am loved. Nōku te whiwhi!