All About Andrea

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

Before we get on to today’s blog, I want to thank you for the feedback regarding last week’s blog series entitled “Susie’s Testimony.” It was a special blog that I had a lot of fun writing, in addition to joining the rest of the world in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And you know, it is so apropos that today’s blog features a character whose favorite color is pink.

With that said, I would like to introduce to you: Andrea Michelle Cornette.

Born an only child on October 5, 1986 in Los Angeles, California to Joseph and Rachel Cornette, Andrea made her Sapp Elementary debut in the Third Grade, and immediately made friends with the Chickadees.

Andrea graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2008, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She currently works as a secretary, but her goal in life is to be a “singing tennis player.”

It should come as no surprise that Andrea’s favorite color is pink, considering that she wears it almost always. She is also known as “Bubblegum Blondie” by her fellow Chickadees.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
After the Chickadees and I graduated from Eighth Grade, we all went to celebrate at Disneyland.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
I was giving a speech in class, and I broke out with a case of the hiccups.

FAVORITE ACTOR: Dave Coulier

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Tisha Campbell

FAVORITE SINGER: Ne-Yo

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Full House

FAVORITE MOVIE: Miracle On 34th Street

FAVORITE ATHLETE: The Williams Sisters

FAVORITE CARTOON: Sleeping Beauty

FAVORITE COLOR: Pink

FAVORITE FOOD: Chili Cheeseburger

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Strawberry

SECRET TALENT: I absolutely love karaoke—just give me a mic and I’m on!

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO: Play tennis and hang out with my fellow Chickadees.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:

I would have convinced my mom and dad to get my a younger brother or sister.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:

My college professor, Mrs. Linda Cole

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:

The time to plan for a rainy day is when the sun is shining.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:

Bernie Mac, Terri Runnels, Grant Hill, Heather Headley, and Kate Winslet

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:

Be a singer or a tennis player—maybe both.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:

Bright, Beautiful, and Bubbly

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):

Nikki, A.J., Barbie, and Di

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:

My old elementary school, just to show my appreciation to my teachers.

IF I HAD ONE WISH:

I would be Derek Fisher’s girlfriend.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:

Since I was born in the 80s, I consider myself an 80s child. I love the music, the ponytails… everything. I am like, so totally an 80s girl!

Susie's Testimony, The Conclusion

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

When we last left you on yesterday, we saw that Susie had been inspired by a terminally ill yet very optimistic woman named Eileen. After hearing Eileen’s testimony, Susie went in to have her lump removed from her breast. Not only was the surgery a success, but the tumor was benign. Susie was all smiles obviously, but her joy soon became overshadowed by her grief when she received news that Eileen had passed away.

And now, the conclusion of Susie’s Testimony.

Susie’s heart sank, as a brief but awkward silence filled the phone between her and a grief-stricken Gary.

“She couldn’t have died,” Susie wept. “I only met her right before my surgery, and she had so much life and vigor. She’s really gone?”

“Yes, Mrs. Douglas—last night, in my arms,” Gary answered, fighting back tears. “The ironic thing was that we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.”

Gary went on to tell Susie that around two in the morning, Eileen woke up and complained that she was cold. Thinking nothing of it, Gary gave her an extra blanket, but Eileen still felt cold. Naturally, Gary decided to wrap Eileen up in his arms and cradle her. After a sweet kiss on the lips, Eileen thanked Gary for tending to her need, and closed her eyes. Maybe fifteen seconds later, she passed away peacefully.

When Susie hung up, she sat in her recliner, placing her hand over her left breast. There was a scar from her surgery, but there was also a scar upon her heart. Susie felt that it was meant for her to meet Eileen, and only after hearing about Eileen’s transition made it more affirmative. Susie always believed in guardian angels, so it should be no surprise that she considered Eileen to be one of them.

“Thank you, Eileen,” Susie whispered softly, looking up to the heavens.

Bret, Howie, Sarah, and Nikki came home from church that afternoon, just as cheery as they could be. Susie tried to hide the fact that she was crying, but it was all in vain. Just as Bret and the kids walked into the house, they saw Susie weeping something terrible and asked what was wrong. Through her sobs, Susie told them the story about Eileen’s passing. Bret gave Susie a comforting hug and told her that it may have been providentially planned for Eileen to come into Susie’s life, if only for that moment.

Later on during the week, Gary called the Douglases’ household, leaving a message regarding Eileen’s homegoing celebration. Susie vowed to be there and pay her respects, even if she had to work a half day. Susie not only showed up, but she also gave a reflection about her fifteen-minute conversation with “such an optimistic, upbeat woman.” Susie pointed out that the name Eileen meant “light,” and she had no doubt that Eileen let her light shine, up until The Lord took her home.

The following week, Susie was able to go back to work. She happened to be working on a project when her assistant walked in and said that someone in the office needed to speak with her right away. Susie accepted, and in walked Gary and his two daughters with a thank-you gift basket for Susie. Attached to the gift basket was a thank-you card and a silver pin shaped like a dove. Gary and his daughters thanked Susie by trapping her in a big group hug, to which Susie said, “If anything, I should be thanking you all for allowing me to meet Eileen. It’s through her strength that my spirit became rejuvenated. With that said, I thank you all so much.”

Susie's Testimony, Part Four

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

When we last left you, Susie made an appointment to have the lump on her left breast removed as soon as possible. While she awaited her surgery, she met Eileen, a woman who had battled breast cancer for three years, yet had a very cheery personality. Listening to Eileen’s testimony took away all fear and doubt from Susie’s mind, and Susie was willing to go into surgery with great faith.

And now, Part Four of Susie’s Testimony.


“Mrs. Douglas, we’re ready for you,” the doctor said.

Just before Susie walked in with the doctor, Eileen said, “Lemme give you my phone number before you go in. I already know that it’s already done, but I want you to call me and tell me the good news. But look, you get your rest first after you’ve had your surgery, then you call me and tell me all about it.”

Susie took Eileen’s phone number and promised that she would call.

Well, Susie had a very successful surgery, but aside from that, she received some great news: the lump on her breast was benign. Susie was so excited that she shouted “Thank You, Jesus!” over and over again. And the good news kept on coming—she was able to go home whenever she felt up to it. Susie wasted no time in calling Bret and telling him all of the good news. She chuckled when she heard Bret, Howie, Sarah, and Nikki cheering in the background.

Susie was discharged that Saturday afternoon, but before she left, she thanked her doctor and the nursing staff for taking such good care of her. The doctor was quick to inform Susie that the surgery was a success because he prayed that all would go well, and it did. He further commended Susie for her early detection and quick mindset to go have her lump checked out.

Later that evening, Susie was queen for a day when she got home. Bret cooked her favorite dinner—sirloin steak with french fries and a broccoli/cauliflower medley, Sarah and Nikki tended to her every wish (fluffing her pillows and giving her a manicure), and Ms. Vivian made a special strawberry seven-up cake with Susie’s name spelled out with sliced strawberries and pineapples. In light of the celebration, Susie was still sore from her surgery, and she was advised to take a few days of rest and not do anything strenuous. She hated that she would have to miss church, but she asked Bret and the Jr. Douglases to say a prayer for her while she recuperated.

This was the very first Sunday that Susie ever missed, but she understood the ramifications and consequences if she did not adhere to the doctor’s orders. Then again, Bret would tell her about the sermon when he got home from church. Susie laughed at her “duh moment” and went into the living room to watch television.

As soon as she sat down, Eileen crossed her mind. Susie remembered the promise that she made, so she went ahead and called Eileen to tell her the good news.

“Hello?” a man said with a very somber tone.

“Hi. May I speak with Eileen Smith, please?”

“Whom may I ask is calling?”

“I’m Susie Douglas. I met your wife at the doctor’s office just a few days ago. She asked me to call her and tell her about my surgery. I wanted her to know that my tumor was benign and my surgery was a great success.”

“That’s good to know—congratulations to you,” the man said, still somber. “I’m Eileen’s husband, Gary. I’m sure Eileen would love to hear that, if she was still here.”

“Well, I trust that you’ll give her the message when she gets back,” Susie chuckled.

“She won’t be back for a while, Mrs. Douglas—Eileen died last night.”

TO BE CONTINUED ON OCTOBER 7, 2011

Susie's Testimony, Part Three

Hey there, Ms. Viv’ Nim Fanaticals!

When we last left you, Susie tried to cope with the fact that she had a tumor on her left breast. Her life seemingly flashed before her eyes, and she was scared. Thankfully, Bret was right there to give Susie the comfort that she needed and assured her that everything would be fine. Despite Bret’s love and support, Susie was still scared.

And now, Part Three of Susie’s Testimony.


The next morning, Susie got a call from her doctor. He explained to her that after careful research of the tissue, he came to the conclusion that Susie needed a biopsy—the lump needed to be removed.

“The sooner the better, Doctor!” Susie stated emphatically.

After reviewing an opening in his schedule, the doctor informed Susie that he had a space available for the following Friday. Susie wasted no time in accepting the appointment.

That whole week, Susie received calls and visits from various well-wishers, from her neighbors to her co-workers, to Pastor and Mrs. Rich. Of course, Ms. Vivian paid a visit, but she didn’t show up until the day before Susie’s surgery. Ms. Vivian prayed that The Lord would work through the doctors, the instruments, and the anesthesia. She stood strong in her faith that Susie would receive “a blessing within her miracle.” The Douglases believed it to be already done, and they thanked Ms. Vivian for her prayer.

On the day of her surgery, Susie sat in the waiting room, her eyes closed and her head bowed. No doubt she was praying for a successful surgery, but she was also praying for Bret, Howie, Sarah, and Nikki. She didn’t know what would happen during the surgery, but she believed that The Lord was all up and through the situation. When she opened her eyes and looked up, the doctors told her that they would be ready for her momentarily.

The anticipation was killing Susie, no doubt. She looked around the room, her heart beating rapidly, still touching the lump on her left breast. While she waited rather impatiently, a frail-looking woman entered the room and sat next to her. She had to have been no more than 99 pounds, and all of her hair was gone, but she had a smile that lit up the entire room. Susie smiled back at the woman, then sighed impatiently and looked up at the ceiling.

The name’s Eileen,” said the frail woman.

“Nice to meet’cha—my name’s Susie.”

“You look a little jittery there, Miss Susie. Is everything okay?”

Susie said nothing, but nodded affirmatively, still feeling around the lump on her breast.

“You’re not foolin’ me one iota,” Eileen said, wagging her finger at Susie. “I’ve been on the other side of that face. I know what you’re goin’ through.”

“How can you possibly know what I’m going through?” Susie asked.

“I’ve been battling this thing for three years,” Eileen explained. “It started with a sharp pain in my chest. I thought it was a pulled muscle or a heart attack, but when I went to the doctor, he said that my heart was the envy of everyone else. And then, the pain got progressively worse. My husband took me back to the doctor, and on that fateful afternoon of May 19, 2006, I received the news that I had breast cancer.”

Susie looked like she was about to cry, and unbeknownst to her, she stopped feeling around her own lump.

“Obviously, I was scared, but I was not about to give up,” Eileen continued. “I told my doctor that whatever it took to get this disease out of me, I was willing to go all the way. I’ve been on chemo and radiation for three years, and look what I have to show for it: my hair has fallen out, I’m under 120 pounds, and I’m tired all the time. But have I given up? Hell, no!”

As Eileen continued to give her testimony, Susie’s worry turned into faith. She turned to face Eileen and said, “You know, Miss Eileen, I believe that The Lord has answered my prayer. I came in here scared as hell, but after listening to your testimony, I feel like going on.”

“Ah, so you’re a praying woman!” Eileen marveled. “I knew it was something different about you. And judging by that gorgeous ring on your finger, you’ve got a husband.”

“And three beautiful children, all grown up,” Susie added. “If it’s in The Lord’s will, then my husband and I will be married 30 years next year.”

Eileen smiled and said, “I’ve only known you five minutes, and already I can tell that you’re gonna make it. Look at me—I don’t know how much longer I’ve got, but I’ll be damned before I let this illness get the best of me. I may be sick in my body, but I’ve still got a life to live, a charge to keep, and a God in Heaven to glorify. I don’t care how tired I am—I will still make time for my husband, and I will still have imaginary tea parties with my two daughters. Heck, my youngest daughter is in a play at our church next week; she’s in the lead role, and I’m gonna be there to see it. My other daughter will be turning seven years old two weeks from now, and I’ve got her birthday party all planned out for her. As for me, my 25th wedding anniversary is this Saturday. I’ve got so much to live for, so until The Lord calls me home, I’m gonna do like that song by Rihanna and T.I. and just live my life.”

“God bless your heart, Eileen!” Susie said, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Eileen smiled, then she gave Susie a big hug and said, “He always does, and He’s gonna bless you too.”

TO BE CONTINUED ON OCTOBER 6, 2011

Susie's Testimony, Part Two

Hello there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

With October recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will highlight Susie Douglas’ testimony all this week. As a matter of fact, when we last left you, Susie was shocked to discover that she had a lump on her left breast. She was so concerned that she went to the doctor for an emergency check-up. Come to find out, the lump was a tumor.

And now, Part Two of “Susie’s Testimony.”

Susie felt her spirit crushed. She didn’t know whether to cry or scream, and she was too shocked to faint.

“We have to take a look at the tests some more, Mrs. Douglas,” the doctor said. “But I will tell you this—we will get through this together.”

Susie nodded affirmatively, sighing over and over. She thanked her doctor and requested that she didn’t want to take any chances—she wanted that lump removed right then and there.

When she got home that evening, she stepped on the porch and heard Bret laughing it up with Sarah and Nikki. Susie couldn’t let them know about the lump—at least, not just yet, anyway. She put on her bravest smile once again and started singing a Luther Vandross song. As soon as she opened the door, Bret greeted her with a sweet kiss and told her that he had just finished dinner. Susie went to wash her hands, but she looked in the mirror and checked out the lump on her breast—it was still there.

Before sitting down at the dinner table with Bret and her daughters, Susie wept a little. She knew that her family needed to know about her doctor visit, but because her family was in such high spirits, she opted not to tell. She looked at the wonderful dinner that Bret had cooked—turkey spaghetti, pork chops, green beans, and salad. It all looked delicious, but Susie was not hungry. Yet and still, she accepted the plate that Bret made for her. And how apropos was it that Susie volunteered to bless the food.

After dinner, the Douglases washed the dishes and split up to their respective rooms.

Later on that evening, around 11:30, Bret was working a crossword puzzle while Susie sat stoic in the bed. Bret finished up at least three puzzles before getting ready to turn in for the night. He took a look at Susie’s face and got curious.

“Something wrong, Susie-Sweetie?” he asked.

Susie broke out crying, turning her back so that Bret wouldn’t see her break down.

“Susie, what’s wrong, Sweetheart?” he asked, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Susie took a deep breath and explained to Bret the entire story, from the discovery of the lump to the diagnosis from the doctor. Bret inhaled quickly, then cradled a weeping Susie in his arms. Susie tried to weep quietly, so as not to alarm Sarah and Nikki. After calming down a bit, Susie finally said, “I’m so scared, Bret-Honey. I know I shouldn’t be, but I am.”

Bret continued to hold Susie in his arms and kissed her gently on her lips, assuring her that everything would be alright.

“We’re gonna beat this, don’tcha know,” Bret said confidently. “Remember, The Lord’s not gonna put any more on us than we can bear. And heck, I’ve a feeling that the lump is benign.”

“Thanks, Bret-Honey,” Susie smiled. “You really know how to cheer me up.”

“No prob, my love,” Bret replied. “And besides, you’re a survivor. You’re gonna kick this thing’s ass, don’tcha know.”

The next morning, Susie got a call from her doctor…

TO BE CONTINUED ON OCTOBER 5, 2011

Susie's Testimony, Part One

Happy Monday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

As we all know, the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Ms. Viv ‘Nim join in supporting the cause. Perhaps that is why this week’s blog is so apropos. Throughout this week, Susie Douglas will give her testimony and express why she wears the pink ribbon throughout the month of October.

Without any further ado, here is Part One of Susie’s story.

It was Friday, June 19, 2009. Susie was laughing it up with her fellow co-workers and talking about her plans for the weekend. One of her co-workers was cracking so many jokes that Susie clutched her chest and let out a loud laugh. In the midst of the act, Susie suddenly stopped laughing and felt her chest. Something wasn’t right. She assumed that it was her cellphone in the pocket of her blouse, but there was a problem: the blouse that she wore had no pockets on it.

“Uh-uh, it couldn’t be,” Susie thought.

Trying her best not to alarm anyone, Susie forced out a laugh and put on her bravest smile. Her co-workers were so oblivious to the worry on her face, assuming that she was just recuperating from all the jokes that were told. Well, it was after five o’clock anyway, so Susie’s co-workers wished her well and left for the day.

Since she was in the office all by herself, Susie made a mad dash to the ladies’ room and looked in the mirror. She unbuttoned her blouse to check herself out closely and…

“Oh my God—that can’t be right,” Susie gasped.

It was a quarter-sized lump on her left breast.

Susie took a deep breath, continuously feeling the strange lump. There was just no way—she didn’t drink, she didn’t smoke, and she exercised regularly. Heck, she even started eating turkey and chicken for six months straight. How in the heck could she have a lump on her breast?

Susie buttoned her blouse back up, still feeling the lump on her breast. She called Bret and left a message for him that she would be a little late for dinner, then she grabbed her keys and purse and headed to her car. Understandably concerned for her health, she went straight to her doctor. There had to have been a mistake.

After checking in at the front desk, Susie sat down and felt her left breast again. “There’s just no way in hell this could be what I think it is,” she thought. She was obviously scared, yet she remained optimistic.

“Mrs. Douglas? Mrs. Susan Douglas?” the doctor called.

Susie jumped in her seat, already clutching her chest. She got up to see the doctor, and got some tests run. As she waited in her room rather impatiently, she thought about a song that the choir sang in church: “He won’t put more on me than I can bear.”

Just as she got her optimism meter running…

“Mrs. Douglas, I’m back with the results.”

The doctor returned, and Susie sported a nervous smile. Before the doctor could sound out one syllable, Susie noticed the worry in his face.

“Doctor, I’m a big girl,” she said. “I just turned 50 a few weeks ago. What is it?”

The doctor sighed despondently, then he looked at Susie and said, “Mrs. Douglas, I am so sorry, but that lump on your breast is a tumor.”

Susie felt her spirit crushed.

TO BE CONTINUED ON OCTOBER 4, 2011…