Columns - Marblehead Current

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, I knew I needed a theme for my recovery

4Oct

By Christine McCarristonNo Comments

Columns, Opinion

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, I knew I needed a theme for my recovery

"Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?” - “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent” For me and mine, this year could be measured in health scares, fears, prayers and, incredibly, joy. On September 27, 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer. After a myriad of tests, I learned I had two cancers, they were forming a third which thankfully never materialized, and I would need a temporary colostomy bag to prevent a possible blockage. My diagnosis changed everything, but at the same time it couldn’t change the most important things: the people I love lifting me up, joy in the little things and gratitude. After receiving the news kindly, but matter-of-factly, I had labs drawn as my husband and sister who accompanied me tried to process the l...

GUEST COLUMN: Boy Scout reflects on an epic hike

Ten scouts and six adult chaperones from Marblehead’s Scout Troop 11 are back from a two-week hiking trip to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks over the summer. The Scouts, ages 14 to 18, faced 110 degree temperatures and water shortages. They also braved challenging conditions on the trails, but they persevered and had the trip of a lifetime. Marblehead Scout Troop 11 hiking through Antelope Canyon in Arizona. COURTESY PHOTO Thirst aid The central adventure for the trip was backpacking at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Scouts split into two groups. The older Scouts descended to the bottom of the Canyon and the younger scouts hiked along the edge of the north rim, gaining some great views into the canyon. The older crew backpacke...

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES: The early signs of Revolution

The causes of the American Revolution are complex, and events leading to the war were as involved as those leading to any war. The extremely unpopular Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on all paper items, from legal documents to playing cards. There is no doubt that the increasing wealth and success of the colonies was a factor, creating a sense of self-reliance. It's no wonder that several successful businessmen prominent in the Revolutionary cause were from Marblehead. In the 1750s and '60s, Marblehead was one of the wealthiest towns in all of the English colonies. There had been many years of relative freedom from governmental constraints while England was occupied in wars with France. This caused colonists to feel independent and to rebel against forms of taxation and restrict...