Friday, May 25, 2012

Why I relay

Most people have heard of the American Cancer Society. Most people know of Relay for Life. I relay. Do you?

I relay for my aunts, both of whom have had cancer. One twice. One put up a brave fight, but was unable to defeat it. I relay for my mom. Not only has she been there for both of her sisters, she was there herself. I relay for my grandparents. Nobody should have to watch any of their children go through that, let alone all three of them. I relay for my sisters and myself. I relay for my children, in hope that they will never have to hear that diagnosis. I relay for my patients.

I relay in hope that one day, cancer will not be devastating. That hearing the word will not send people into a state of shock, grief. That if you are told you have cancer, there is a 100% survival rate.

 I relay because cancer sucks. Period. It sucks to have it. It sucks to hear a loved one has it. It sucks to have to stay strong when all you want to do is fall apart, even if just for a moment. It sucks to have to make the decision on when to stop treatment. It sucks to hear the treatment has been ineffective.

I don't want anyone to have to go through that.


This year, I am a co-captain for my team. If you feel strongly that cancer sucks, you can donate to my team's fundraising goal at: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12GW?pg=team&fr_id=38351&team_id=1202585,
or to my individual goal at: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12National?px=29272192&pg=personal&fr_id=38351

Thank you.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

On Motherhood

I feel as if I should have some sort of profound revelation on being a mother. How it has changed me, made me a better person, etc. I don't. 

Yes, it has changed me. I drive slower, I don't drink as much, I go to bed earlier. I think a little differently too. I am more mature and responsible than I was 8 years and a few months ago. But I am me. I am not only Sean and Aidan's mom. I am a distinct individual. 

It took me several years and a lot of guilt to come to the realization that I can be Sean's mom, Aidan's mom, and still be my own person. I think that is important. 

As far as being a better person.... The jury is still out. I can be selfish, self involved. I get cranky easily.

Motherhood has different definitions and rules to each woman. The decisions I make as a mother are not the same decisions my mother made. Granted, they may be similar in some respects.  Does that mean my decisions are wrong or my mother's were? No. We are different women, with different children. And that is perfectly fine. As long as neither of us violate any laws. 

I have good, positive role models for being a mother. My mom taught me that I am never too old to improve myself, to continue my education.  My step mother showed me that I can overcome any obstacle in my path. My mother in law, although we haven't always seen eye to eye, has helped me learn to accept what I cannot change. I may not always follow their lead, but the lessons are there, and will be there for me. 

Being a mother is so much more than what I expected. It is so much more rewarding.