Too often it takes a life-threatening event to force us to appreciate that all we have is NOW. The time we spend on our relationships with our family and friends are the most important and worthwhile investments we can make.

The past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for my family and I since learning that my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She’s been through several rounds of chemo and spent weeks in the hospital dealing with the effects. She’s strong and finally recovered enough to return home to continue her treatment.

One of the many side effects of the chemo has been painful cramping in her legs and back. With her doctor’s blessing, I scheduled my mother for an Oncology Massage with Natasha, one of our oncology certified therapists and an Environ Facial for my sister. We made it a spa day to celebrate mom’s newly gained freedom and release from the hospital.

I’m always happy to see our guest’s leave the spa relaxed and smiling after their treatments, but I gained a new appreciation for the importance of the simple pleasure of a healing touch. Working out the cramps to allow my mother to sleep soundly that night was the point of the visit, but seeing my mom and my sister lounging and laughing in the relaxation room as if they didn’t have a care in the world almost brought me to tears. Even if it was only a temporary escape from very real problems, it was a genuine moment of happiness that I will treasure forever.

I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my mother and I am proud that our spa is offering Oncology Massage.

Larchmont Sanctuary Spa partners with Greet The Day for Oncology Massage Therapy and Oncology Facial certification.