Warm Embrace

March 20th 2011:

One of my sorority sister's and I decided to go to lunch before she left to go home. Before leaving the house I grabbed one of my head-bands, so I would be more comfortable in public. As we were seated there was an elderly woman and her middle aged son sitting directly across from me. I smiled at her for a second and back down to the menu. After we ordered the elderly woman came to my side and complemented my head-band, and then proceeded to ask if I shaved my head for the summer, or if I was battling or even a cancer survivor. I turned to her and said, "I actually shaved my head last night for St. Baldrick's and Locks of Love." There was nothing but silence for the next 30 seconds, that felt like an eternity. It was until she placed her hand upon her mouth, that I knew in some way she had been affected by Cancer. I sat as tears were falling down her face, and all I could think of was to give her a hug. I must confess that a hug from somebody who you have never met, can touch your life in a way that you never thought possible and even bring tears to your eyes. As I hugged her, it felt as though we've known each other for years, and that in some way we had a connection. We both slowly pulled away from the hug, and as we did she pointed to her son's head. In which she told me that her son has been battling cancer for a number of years, and that she was truly grateful for a young individual to do something in regards to helping cancer patients.

This experience alone has showed me that Cancer can truly impact someone's life in more than one way. It can help us become stronger, to appreciate every breath we take, or even to accept the differences that so many people have in the world. I've heard my whole life from teachers, parents, and family members, to realize the differences that people have and to never put a limit on them nor their ability of acheiving wonderful things. Everyone has the power in themselves to go beyond what people expect from them, even if they are battling an illness that can take their life. To merely fight every single day, or every breath, that many take for granted is extremely admirable.

I hope each and every one of you reading my blog, takes the time out at the end of the day, to tell your loved ones how you feel, don't criticize other people by what you see, and to truly live each day because you never know how quickly it can be taken away.