Still, I want to take a minute to remind everyone to not overlook this month, and the meaning behind it.
I had the pleasure of doing henna on the head of a chemo patient, and a second time breast cancer survivor named Tara. Over the past year or so, Tara has become a friend.
While I have always had an awareness about breast cancer due to a strong family history, Tara's age, and her age when her first bout of cancer was discovered made me sit and think a little but harder about the issue. Tara was only 31 the first time around, and was 37 the second. At 26, and working with women of all ages, it served as a reminder that one does not have to be an older woman to experience this.
Tara also serves as a reminder that one CAN beat it, and still carry on with life. Tara is one of the most amazing women I have ever met, and holds a positive attitude at all times about everything. Below is the "Farewell Tour" letter that Tara sent her family and friends, as well as a couple of photos (copyright Fortenberry Photography). At the end of this blog, there will be some other words that Tara sent me, when I told her I was writing this blog.
Tara’s Ta-Tas
FAREWELL TOUR
2008
The Story:
As you know, Lefty (the sinister sister) has gotten herself hooked on CANCER. We battled her ‘addiction’ with surgery, radiation and 5 years of a low dose of chemotherapy (2002 – 2008)…..but she’s relapsed and is hooked on a more dangerous CANCER – the invasive kind. I’m afraid that her sister Boobara (the shy, quiet one), will suffer from the same addiction in future years. Therefore, both Lefty and Boobara are scheduled for a mastectomy on April 30th. No worries.
To honor their awesome life, I met with my good friends Matthew and Melinda Fortenberry to have photos taken of the ‘twins’ in their home studio. This is where YOU come in………I’ve attempted to do something positive, artsy and unique with this situation. I’ve enclosed a picture / pictures for my friends and family to help ‘bid thee farewell’. I want you to take a fine tip Sharpie (you don’t have one? what’s the world coming to??) or a pen and write something on the picture and mail back to me (self addressed, stamped envelope included – NO EXCUSES, just do it!). Doesn’t matter exactly what you choose to write as long as it is something that is either Positive, Humorous, Witty, Sincere, etc…… NO SADNESS!! This is a good thing! Think about it……be yourself…….be positive. I’m going to make a collage (or two) and display the awesome thoughts and words of my friends and family………DON’T forget to sign it!!! One person per photo, please. Write all over it, draw on it, whatever you want.
As an incentive……..whoever has the BEST comment will be entered for a chance to win free tickets and backstage passes for the upcoming Homecoming Tour (after the reconstruction – maybe next year). Don’t feel pressured, I might give out prizes for creativity, humor, sincerity, etc……you all have a chance to win!!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, as a woman, I beg of you to keep up with monthly self breast exams. Get a mammogram. Don't ever over-look something that is suspicious, and trust your instincts. If one doctor brushes you off, find another. And if you can, donate to a cancer research organization, participate in an event, volunteer for a walk, and show support to the cause, the patients, the survivors, and the families of those affected by breast cancer.
10% of Gentle Expectations income in the month of October will be donated to a charity supporting breast cancer research.
What Breast Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited…
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal Eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit
Spare me your pity,
Your terror, your condolence.
The breasts are gone
But I am
Whole
Disfigurement
Need not include
My soul
Ode to Boobs, by Pip Bishop
Dear boobs,
This heartfelt apology goes out to you all
For moaning you’re too big or moaning you’re too small
For wishing you didn’t hang like puppies in sacks
Or just disappear when we lie on our backs
For squashing you flat with a minimizing cup
or those torture bras that push you right up.
Why is it always your bad points we mention
Like your inverted nips or your water retention?
Why don’t we love you as much as our men
Or the babies that love you all over again?
Maybe we’re scared to show you we care
In case, one day, you’re simply not there.
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