Raising Awareness

You probably already have guessed but today's post is about Angela.  Here we go...

As I had with Joshua, I spoke with Angela privately on the porch but I don't think she really knew what I was telling her.  She was familiar with the word cancer but her immediate concern was on how this would impact her...particularly who would do the things for her that I usually did.

I worried the most about Angela because she was the youngest.  I was quick to share my news with her teachers and coaches knowing they would spend a lot of time with her and could alert me if they had any concerns.   However, I must admit, Angela's approach to dealing with my illness was quite different from everyone else's and really surprised me.  Angela openly talked about my illness and quickly began to raise awareness for my fight against breast cancer. She decorated the locker area in her gym with pink ribbon signs and phrases such as "Fight Like a Girl".  She had a variety of breast cancer awareness shirts that she wore regularly and even wore a pink ribbon in her hair at gymnastics meets. She talked with her friends about my fight and expanded my support team.  I never expected this from her!

Angela not only raised awareness but also was there to encourage me.  She left me lots of love notes, would lay with me at night and always come tell me about her day after school.   Like Joshua, she kept a close eye on my eyebrows and eye lashes as they started to fall out and she took the time each day to count how many lashes were remaining.

Funny because the child I worried about the most blew me away with her maturity and ability to cope.  Knowing that Angela had the potential to live more of her life without than with me if I didn't pull through made me focus so much more on getting well.  I wanted to be around to be her mom for a lot longer!  She still had so much growing and living to do and I didn't want to miss any of it.

Angela, you rallied support for me in all areas of your life...home, school and the gym.  I am so very grateful for that!  More importantly, you always loved me and challenged me to fight for my health and well-being.  You really amazed me with your strength and compassion.   I love you.