October 12, 2026
Personal Reflections
I spent time with a friend a few weeks ago, and she asked how my dad was doing. For those of you who have been following this story, he’s back at work now, but we’ve also received some unfortunate news: he has numerous precancerous markers, and his doctor told him that “if he doesn’t have cancer now, he very likely will have it at some point in his life.” It’s news we’re all trying to process, pray about, and cope with each day.
For me, coping means navigating the emotions and PTSD that come with watching someone I love go through this journey, just as I did before getting my diagnosis. As soon as you hear the C word and "you" in the same sentence, you are never the same.
After hearing all of this, my friend remarked, in the friendliest way possible, something along the lines of, “Geez, Rach, you and your family and the medical system!” We laughed together because, well, she’s not wrong!
Little did she know that another member of my immediate family had ended up in the ER just last week, too! That means everyone in my immediate family, myself included, has visited the ER at least once this year. I texted my mom about it and said, “We need to get better hobbies!” :)
With all this, I have absolutely no desire to throw myself a pity party. Quite the opposite! I feel like my medical endurance—as a survivor, caregiver, and loved one—is pretty impressive. I’ve always believed in finding humor in difficult situations, making lighthearted jokes, and keeping it real on this topic.
No, my real intention is to remind us all of just how special, extraordinary, and sacred life truly is.
One of this week’s JOLT articles will reflect on my experience attending the Washington Center’s An Evening with Amy Tan. Throughout the evening, Tan kept returning to how beautiful and important life is, whether in humankind or the animal kingdom. Her words have stayed with me, especially as I reflect on everything my family has been navigating lately.
One of my “catchphrases” that appears regularly in my writing is that the arts aren't an elective, but a necessity, and in hard times, this sentiment rings especially true, no matter how “challenging” our circumstances may be.
Have you ever noticed how a bad day can be redeemed by a good TV show, a favorite movie, a music marathon, dancing around the living room, or attending a live performance? What about creating—permitting ourselves to let go of our worries, tend to our souls, and let our hands reflect our dreams?
Yes, the arts are a necessity! So, don’t forget to set aside some time for the arts this week. I don’t care how busy you are—you’ll thank me later! :)
PS: the photo that represents this online entry of my newsletter was taken at one of my favorite all time shows at the Washington Center. Ever so ironically, I attended after going to Fred Hutch in Seattle, getting labs drawn at 7 am and then a dose of chemo in the afternoon. I was exhausted, but all my memories of this show are truly filled with fun and childlike joy!
This Week in the Arts
I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Review: An Evening with Amy Tan
Review: Harlequin Productions’ ‘Sanctuary City’
Review: Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Lift’ Season Premiere Concert
I will be publishing these articles under Rachel’s Choice:
Reflections for the Audience: Terry Shaw and his band pay tribute to the Music of Billy Joel
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to The JOLT News and follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Other Fun Things This Week
For the Record: Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’
Getting in ‘The Zone’: ‘Come Wander with Me,’ Season 5, Episode 34. Watch in advance.
Event: Intentional Vinyl with Rachel Benton and The Dare to Love Project
Coming Up:
Word searches, fidgets, and coloring available during listening session. Post vinyl discussion will follow.
More event information can be found here.
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