The fray... Never say Never....
I've been thinking about this for days, but somehow a random comment on my blog got me going tonight. I often update my facebook status. Alot of the time its a controversial comment or thought. Now, being the type of person not to really give a shit, I often carefully think about the responses I get and who they're from and why that particular person may have reacted that way.
Our actions, regardless of intent, influence or affect others. I've expressed my dislike for hypocrites, liars, country music singers and most recently the "focus" on a particular disease. And without shame, I will admit that I'm kinda shocked that my protest to country music ruffled more feathers than topics of a more serious manner. And additional shock when I stated (politely) that I WOULD NOT give my focus to breast cancer, and got SUPPORT FOR NOT SUPPORTING. Now, I have been touched by breast cancer, it is in my family. However, at the risk of sounding insensitive and like a hypocrite, I must explain, my BEST FRIEND is suffering from a cancer that has NOTHING to do with her breasts. And it has run so deeply into my soul, that if I'm going to focus on supporting a cause, its going to be the one that saves HER life. As she is a part of me. One of those who would leave a gaping hole if she left. And it rips me to shreds that I would donate EVERY time I walked into a store or someone came to the door, I would buy the water pitcher, the Nick knacks that you see everywhere.... if it could, if it would help to save her life, but I can't. There are none. NONE. Not one. I can't go to superstore and buy a Brita with her ribbon on it. I can't go to La vie en Rose and leave my spare change in a box, or buy the tshirts, candy bars or mugs because THERE ARE NONE. She falls into a 'general' cancer category. Yes, there are pins you can get... can anyone tell me where in a shopping mall you can get one? When I'm out getting myself new underwear, where there is a box with her ribbon on it for me to leave my change in? Where I can show my support to all of those who fall into the 'general' category? She's not general to me. She's not general to her mother, father, brother, sister and godson... Who is MY son. Why is one ribbon more important than the other? Why is one woman's breasts more important than another woman's lungs and brain? And each and every other type of cancer that falls into the "general" category?
I want to say I'm sorry if this offends you, I mean no disrespect, however I'm NOT sorry. I WILL NOT apologize for wanting to show my support to someone who DOES NOT fall into your pink ribbon group. One person's life IS NOT more important than another because of the type of cancer they have. Don't try to argue numbers with me, I don't give a shit if breast cancer has stats that says it should be more important. FIGHT IT ALL. BEAT IT ALL. No sub-class. I bet if you find a cure for one, you find a cure for all.
My friends who are fighting harder battles than I am keep me humble. One is in Afghanistan, the other is fighting another battle at home. To show my support FOR LIFE, not just a one time cash drop, some spare change in a box or a pin on sweater; I will have ribbon for life. To honor them both. To remind ME to be humble. The purple & yellow ribbon will make a PERMANENT home on inside of my ankle.
I love you both. You are part of me. Win or lose, now and forever, you are a part of me.
