Brave? Really?
I guess I’m feeling cancer-ish lately because I’ve been connecting with folks who are still immersed in that world. I originally posted this on April 25th, 2009. (I remember wondering if it was too risky to post the accompanying picture. It isn’t offensive to me…and this is my blog…so there you go. I happen to think it’s amazing.)
I think I was mad or inspired or something when I wrote it. No doubt I was getting the “you are brave for sharing” comments and I felt like a poser because of it. So…I wrote this:
Brave? Really?
People tell me that I am brave for putting this stuff out here, but I don’t see what’s so brave about it. If writing what you think and feel is brave than we are one sorry-ass, chicken-shit society. Seriously…writing a blog is brave?
THIS is Brave…
A woman with no breasts (not even fake ones) and no hair…who drives herself to an infusion room every 3 weeks…and endures endless brain and body scans…and smiles as she waits for the results…even though she feels like shit as she does the “mom thing”…THAT’S brave.
These are just words. I can delete them anytime I want. She doesn’t have that luxury…but she accepts it…and goes. THAT is living your :30 Seconds with balls.
It is rare for to people share their truth in a loving way. Brave, open or free are several terms that come to mind when I look at the slim, cowgirl on the beach comfortable enough to exhibit that which so many people cover-up.
I stumbled across it by accident one day and I was blown away. You’re right, Mark…very few share it like that…their truth. Thanks…
.-= akoehn´s last blog ..Over=Start Palindrome =-.
I don’t even know what to say — you said it all, Andy.
.-= Agnes´s last blog ..I went down to the sacred store where I heard the music years before, but the man there said the music wouldn’t play =-.
Great post Andy and what a striking picture! All I have to add is a quote that made me think of you:
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Meat Free Monday =-.
Andy, Thank you for attempting to make people aware of what our “HEROS” have to endure through cancer treatments. My husband Terry fought an 18 month battle with small cell lung cancer. I have never seen anyone go through what he had to and NEVER complain. They put on this brave face and trudge on, no matter how bad they feel. It has opened my eyes to even thinking of complaining about the “small” things in life. Bravo….for giving the world an eye opener.
Friends by fate,
Irene
Not everyone has balls to share honestly. I won’t dare call you brave, but I will call you inspirational. Your wife was both, and she lives on through you sharing your experiences.
Great photo – its one of those “a picture says a thousand words” types.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..So Far So Good! =-.
I’ll take it, Barbara. Thanks!
Here Here Andy! It seems today we are so busy trying NOT to hurt anyone’s feeling that we have negelected the truth. While I am not a fan of focusing on the negative – sometimes we need to heard it, see it and even experience it in order to become all we can become.
Seems our society has their moral compass sitting next to a marketing magnet and its pulling so many of our hearts off true north. Thanks for being more of a true north kinda guy!
You keep sharing my friend and I will keep reading!
Think Successfully & Take Action
Tracy
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Overcoming Procrastination Part 2 Text =-.
That is such a great way to put it, Tracy. The marketing magnets haves such an influence over what we feel we are able to say. PC and all that. I’m so glad you liked it because I have found you to be true north as well. (Hmmm…a new movement. True north guys.)
Thank you so much for the visit. It means a lot!
Totally Brave, I agree. I think it takes something special to really OWN your scar or to take charge of anything that might make you different. And by truly OWNING it you can make it dissappear if you want, or use it to educate, or show someone beauty in a different way.
Agreed, Casey. Beauty in a different way. I’ll admit it is hard for me to see sometimes…but that’s how it is. There are other times where I can look past it…and see the person…and man I just walk away feeling better about who we all are. Thanks for the stopping by and reading. I really, really appreciate it.
This is my third attempt to post. I don’t feel worthy to comment, but I’ll try again anyway…
She is beautiful in the photo. Absolutely, incredibly beautiful. She is what I envisioned when I told my surgeon I did not want reconstruction, not now, not ever, and to make my mastectomy scars smooth and even. He did not believe me. I woke up in hospital with little ‘breastlets’ near my sternum. He said it was to give me more natural cleavage when I get breast implants. May I take her photograph with me when I demand my double mastectomy scars be corrected? Thank-you for all that you have shared. I just discovered your site.
Not worthy to comment? Of course you are. We all are. I’ve witnessed what you’re going through…and I say again…you are some very brave…awesome people. Do what feels right for YOU. (That’s my humble advice that doesn’t always work out the way I hope.)
Thank you for reading and the comment. And stay brave…’kay?
I will, thank-you. Your willingness, inspiration, intuition, love for her, whatever the reason – sharing Laura’s beauty again is a timely gift to me that I treasure. You’ve helped me tremendously by revealing such an incredibly unique and personal moment. I just wanted you to know that. I’ll get on now with my 30 seconds ;-> ‘Nuf said from me! Thanks again.