Two little girls look up
To the mama who was ill
She worked her hardest to stay
With those she loved, but still
Two little girls look up
And they may never know
How much mama sacrificed
So she could always show
How perseverance and faith
Were keys to make her well
Family hands helped a lot
And so did two little girls
Cancer couldn’t beat her
She has too much left to do
Taking care of a military man
And her little girls, too
© 2021 Kymber L. Hawke
Dedicated to: Katy, Brandon, LillyAnne, and Lyra Violet
That time in our lives was shaped by a kind of strength you don’t expect to need. Katy was pregnant with Lyra when she was diagnosed, and every day became a careful balance between treatment and protecting the little one she was carrying. Lyra is five now and healthy. Katy is cancer free and has had Jo Jo since then. It was frightening, but it was also full of quiet determination. This poem grew out of those days, when fear sat close and she kept holding onto hope for her girls.
Thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting. You are important!
Featured image crafted with Canva and Chatgpt, supervised by cats.
↬ Copyright © 2026 | KL Hawke & booomcha.com | All Rights Reserved. ↫
57 comments
Beautiful
Thank you so much. 🩷🌺
so glad she beat cancer Kymber! that is a miracle! 💕😘
Thank you. It is definitely a miracle. I am so incredibly grateful. 🩷🌺
Thank you for sharing this part of your journey. It is encouraging. The strength and the courage become a part of who are.
Thank you for this. I’m glad the piece encouraged you. Strength and courage do stay with us, and I appreciate you taking the time to read that part of my story.
Oh, that needs a lot more stars for liking. Thank you for sharing it! 💫
Thank you so much, Ali. That means a lot. ✨✨✨
This is a story of determination, resilience and a whole lot of faith. I love it!!
Thank you, Jan. I’m so glad you love this. Katy’s strength throughout the ordeal was incredible.
I confess I’ve struggled a wee bit with this one.
Given the subject, it felt very wrong to hit “like” — except, “Cancer couldn’t beat her”.
Kymber, this is an emotional and very moving post — both your writing and pictures are exquisite.
Cancer ought to be a swear word. Instead of saying “Oh f***” (not that I ever do, you understand?) we should be saying “Oh Cancer”!
When you receive a cancer diagnosis from your physician — and it doesn’t matter how many types of cancer you fight in your lifetime, the same is true each time — you shut down instantly. The best way I can describe it is that you enter a liminal space where you hear nothing, absorb nothing, say nothing, just exist in shocked emptiness.
That Katy was pregnant at the time must have compounded that shock and dread at least a million times over. No one should have to go through that anguish and anxiety. Ever! Happily, Katy won her battle and, in so doing, revealed the depths of fortitude, perseverance and courage in her soul. You must be beyond proud of the lass!
💕 Lovely post! 💕
Pam, thank you for this. You understood the heart of that post. Cancer does shut everything down. It steals the floor out from under you and leaves you standing in that strange quiet where nothing makes sense. Watching Katy face that while carrying Lyra was the hardest thing I’ve ever witnessed. She kept going anyway. She protected her baby, fought through treatment, and held onto hope even when the days were frightening.
She’s healthy now. Lyra is five and full of life. Jo Jo came after, and Katy’s strength is woven into both of her girls. I’m proud of her in ways I can’t fully put into words.
I’m grateful you read the poem with such care. Your kindness means a great deal. 🩷🌺
Actually, I should be thanking you. The more people who post thoughtfully composed yet fully truthful essays and comments…. Plus, each of us can relate in very personal ways and that is a huge help and comfort! xx
Pam, that means a lot. I’m glad these pieces land the way they do. It helps to know we’re all carrying our own stories and finding comfort in each other’s. xo
This is a very touching story in every way 💟
I’m so happy to know that cancer didn’t win this time.
Wishing great health, joy, comfort and many more years
of laughter and good times to this lovely family ✨
Wonderful poem too! 👌
Thank you so much. Your words are so kind. 🩷🌺✨
A beautiful family my friend.
Thank you so much, John.
A beautiful tribute to strength of the mom and the family
Thank you, Sadje.
My pleasure
A lovely story of courage and determination. Thank you for posting.
Thank you so much.
Such a poignant poem! Katy was a brave woman, and I’m glad everything turned out all right, for your whole family’s sake. 💖
Thank you, Debbie. Katy was so brave, and I’m so proud of her and her little family. 🩷
It is a beautiful and profound poem. Cancer is such an awful thing to deal with but it is great that Katy is cancer free.
Thank you, Thomas. I appreciate your kind words. It was a long, frightening road, but Katy never wavered in her strength.
Such a heartfelt poem. A mother’s love for her children is very deep. I’m so glad Katy and her daughter are doing well. 💜🙏🏽
Thank you so much, Jenn. Everything really turned out well and I’m so proud of Katy’s strength and resilience. 🩷🌺
I am glad she is healthy. It must have been such a scary time for all of you.
Thank you so much. It was really scary, that’s true. Katy was so strong; I really admire her.
So touching. Glad there’s a happy ending 💗
Thank you so much, Paula. I’m glad, too. 🩷
Beautiful Kymber. A lovely family. I’m glad Katy is now cancer free.
Thank you so much, Di. She is a light in our life.
Long may she shine.
Yes. Bless you, Di. ☀️
the scarf
covered her bald pate
and we all i hoped and prayed
it was not too late
for her to beat the deadly mr c!!!!!!!!!
I appreciate you stopping by. Thank you for your thoughts.
❤️🙏🏻✝️
Thank you, John. 🩷🌺
An extraordinarily trying time cope with quiet resilience and careful balancing.
Thank you so much. Katy’s strength and resilience really inspired me.
A very sweet poem, Kymber! 👍
Thank you so much, Aptivi! Happy Saturday! 😊
You’re most welcome, Kymber! Thank you so much! You too, Happy Saturday! ☺️
Also, my blog keeps growing, but rather slowly, despite being active. However, I enjoy making posts for fun! It’s only been a little bit more than a month, so I’ll keep posting for fun! 😉
Thank you, Aptivi. Slow growth is normal, especially early on. What matters is that you enjoy posting, and it shows. Keep having fun with it. I love your blog! 🌺😊
You’re most welcome, Kymber.
Thank you so much! Your words made me smile. Of course, I’ll keep having fun with it. Me too, I love your blog! 🌸☺️
You are so kind, my friend. I’m so glad you’re here. 🌺🌺
Thank you so much! You are so kind, too, my friend. 🌸🌸
Awww thanks. 😊
You’re most welcome ☺️
🌺🌺
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Heartfelt and moving poem, Kymber. Courage takes many forms.
Thank you so much, Suzette. You are so right.
Happy Saturday!
You are very welcome, Kymber. Happy Saturday.