On “Black” Friday, I took my family for a family portrait. As a “newbie” in this cancer game, I needed to get these portraits done not because I thought it was the last one we would take, but because I may not look like me for a while. I am in my 40s and have had a head full of hair since the day I was born. My mom said they had to shave in a forehead because my eyebrows and hairline met! I come from a family of hairy women, our arms, legs, face, etc. It is a part of who we are. Women who had bare arms and legs, no faint mustache looked strange to me growing up. An abundance of hair is my reality.
So the portraits…my husband, who is the more trendy and fashionable one, chose our outfits. For me, he chose a creme, wool suit from my closet with a deep burgundy blouse with matching heels, for my son, he chose a deep tan corduroy blazer with a creme shirt, red vest and red and white striped bow tie, and for himself, a red corduroy blazer with a creme shirt and tan vest. We were sharp! We looked good, we felt good, and for a moment, there was no cancer. We walked in that place and people looked at us as if to say, “They have it all together!” As I beamed with pride, my mind shifted to thoughts of “…if they only knew!” I felt proud of us for being the strong people we are and making sure our son continues to have a normal existence. It’s hard but I try not to wear that cancer sticker on my chest.
The pictures turned out beautifully and one day I will share with the world, however, when we returned home, I began to wonder, what will this cancer be like toward treatment number three. Will I want to take any pictures, will I want to go out, will I still have this positive attitude, will I be this strong? I thought about that pant suit that I thought wouldn’t fit, and it was a tad too big. I weighed myself and realized since my diagnosis, I lost about eleven pounds. For some reason, I used Facebook as a distraction, and noticed that I was tagged in a post about “Good Mommies”. I thought about it and back to my questions to myself. I thought and affirmed…YES!!! I will take pictures, I will go out, I will still have a positive attitude, I will be strong because I am a mommy! Being a mommy has made me a better wife and has made me, by any means necessary, conquer ANYTHING that comes my way!
Thoughtful Wisdom for the Day:
You are who YOU say YOU are and not defined by hair or anything else that you may have known. The past is for reflection and remembrance so that you can grow from the seeds that were planted then and are flourishing now. Any challenge can be overcome in your finances, health, and relationships as long as you know who YOU are. That will determine your perseverance, resilience, and strength throughout any journey you may be on in life.
God…Family…and everything else!
Another thing: Below is my post from Facebook entitled, “TAG a GOOD Mommy”
To ALL my mommy friends… I truly respect and admire ALL of you
❤I have had some time over the holidays to reflect and read FaceBook posts and catch up on pictures. I realize that although we are near and far, haven’t seen each other in years or just saw each other last week, we share a common bond that is stronger than anything on earth… being mommies! We love our children, we love other people’s children and we thrive in this crazy world making IT happen in more ways than one! I enjoy all of the birthdays, educational and sports accomplishments, our dancers and gymnasts and the protection of OUR sons and the nurturing of our daughters! Continued blessings to all of you as you lead your families. Your sharing of your children gives me hope that our communities will prosper and the next Barak and Michelle Obama are in our midst! Love to you all
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