Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Story Behind My Current Facebook Profile Pic - Writing Workshop

Mama’s Losin’ It

Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. This week's choice from the weekly prompts is:

4) Share the story behind your current Facebook and/or Twitter profile photo.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I was actually looking for a simple pink ribbon image to display as my Facebook profile picture for the month of October. However, I came across this image (above) and decided to steal borrow it instead. I think it is simple, yet very poignant and sums up my feelings about this disease in a nutshell.

Everything about cancer sucks. Being sick, hearing the diagnosis for the first time, the fear, the anger, the unknown, going through treatments, the hospitals, the doctor visits, and having your whole world come crashing down. It sucks for family and it sucks for friends. How dare this disease attack someone I care about? IT. SUCKS.

It seems we have all been touched by this disease in one way or another in our lives. We have lost dear friends, family members, neighbors, community members, co-workers or acquaintances. It affects the rich, the poor and everyone in between. We may know people that are battling it right now. We mourn those that fought the good fight and lost. We cheer for those that are kicking and have kicked it's ass. There is no deeper or darker loss and I don't think there is any sweeter victory, available to us in this lifetime, than beating cancer.

I lost my mom seven years ago to ovarian cancer. Yesterday would have been her 46th wedding anniversary. There are times, even now, when I think about calling her up and telling her something that I think she would find amusing. And then? I remember she is no longer with us. In those moments, when I realize I can't talk to her, I find myself having to catch my breath. It's like having little segments of losing her all over again. And yes, it sucks. I lost my grandmother over twenty years ago to lung cancer. It was long before I met my husband and long before I had children. However, as my children grew up I always wished she could have known them. She would have really enjoyed them. My oldest son is so much like her. They would have been best friends.

So, in memory of my late mother and grandmother... I proudly display the "cancer sucks" beanie baby image as my current Facebook profile picture.

12 comments:

Mommy Bags said...

Cancer does SUCK big balls. I am so sorry you lost your mom. I lost mine to lung cancer 3 yrs ago this February. She never touched a cigarette or a drink her whole life. She would have celebrated 40 plus years with my dad. I hate this disease this is the modern day zombie of diseases. Great post and love the look of your page...Mwah

EcoCrazyMom said...

Stopping by from the Give A Hoot Wednesday Blog Hop! Please follow back at http://www.EcoCrazyMom.com and feel free to add your blog to the Blog Directory under the "Bloggers" tab!

I'm so sorry to hear how cancer has impacted your family, you are right, it certainly does suck. One of the reasons I am so "eco-crazy" is to try to avoid the many chemicals in foods and products can cause cancer. Breast cancer runs in my family- both my great grandma & great aunt had it, but thankfully were survivors.

Smiles,
Terri
@EcoCrazyMom

Unknown said...

Awesome post Babaloo. I pray that a cure for this terrible disease will be found in the near future. Cancer has taken the lives of so many persons. I note that you lost your mother and grandmother to this disease. I lost my twin sister to stomach cancer at age 46. I have also lost relatives and friends to this disease. I am now a Follower of your Blog. Take care and my best wishes to you.
Judy - JUDY H-J'S THOUGHTS

Jen said...

I lost my mother-in-law to cancer two years ago. She and I were very close. Great avatar choice, cancer does suck.

Diane said...

Perfect profile pic for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It took my grandmother when I was 4 so I never got a chance to really know her.

I've known so many who have lost their lives to it over the years but also many who have indeed kicked its ass!

KatBouska said...

I'm so sorry! I lost both my dad and my step dad to cancer. I can't imagine living without my mom. So glad you're displaying your support loud and clear!

Unknown said...

We have so many friends right now with cancer. It touches every family at one time or another.

I am sorry for your loss.

Jackie said...

Cancer does suck!
My uncle succumbed to lung cancer while my mom's best friend just got the "all clear" from ovarian cancer two months ago.

Arnebya said...

Cancer sucks more than I can say. I'm sorry about your mom and grandmother. I had an aunt (my favorite aunt, who practically raised me) die from lung cancer last year. And like you said, there are times I pick up the phone to call and have to say damn. I love your bear, I really do.

Andrea said...

you are so right, one of my dear friends is fighting breast cancer right now. And another single mom friend of mine has a toddler with liver cancer. There are not words for how much it sucks!

Rachael said...

I'm having my first experience with someone close to me having cancer right now - a good friend has Stage 4 breast cancer. It does suck. I like your take on the pink ribbon!

Tiffany said...

Cancer can bite it! It's horrific just how many lives are touched by this tragic disease. I ended up raising my youngest cousins while my aunt went through aggressive treatment for stage IV breast cancer. She survived against all odds, but it's still a daily battle for her and her kids.