This past week we remembered the tragedy of 9/11. The events of that day were played and replayed on the television and radio. There were numerous memorials and gatherings where people recalled where they were and how it affected their lives. It was an event that we hopefully will never forget, but how soon we do forget. Just a generation ago they were saying the same thing about Pearl Harbor, can you name the date of that tragedy which killed thousands? After those events, we were more united as a country. People were more united, friendlier, happier to be alive. More people went to church, more people had hope for something better, do we still? Anyway, it’s all sad. All of our lives are marked with some sort of tragedy and most of the time only the closest will remember.
It’s like being diagnosed with cancer. I remember each of the three times I got the call. I remember the emotions, where I was, who I called, etc. Now, with my temporary clean bill of health, it’s easy to forget I had cancer cells on my PET scan just a few months ago. I move forward but I never forget. When I cough or have a hard time breathing or swallowing because of my paralyzed vocal cord, I remember. When my throat hurts in the morning and it feels tight, I remember; and when I look in the mirror and see the scar at the base of my neck, it is always a reminder of everything I’ve been through. When the people I know and love look at me I wonder if they remember or if they’d rather forget. It’s ok to move forward. I love the resiliency of kids and I’m happy to say that when I act normal, I hope the kids forget for awhile that I was sick. The only signs they remember is when I can’t control my cough; they look at me with concern. Also, when planning for future events like a vacation, now they ask, “If you don’t have cancer this summer can we go on vacation?”. Yes, we all change through tragedy, but some things we push down because it’s too hard to remember those feelings. My memories always linger near the surface but it helps me be stronger and that is the hope after any tragedy, an extra dose of wisdom and strength for the future.
This month is Thyroid Cancer Awareness month (along with a few other cancers that have not yet claimed a month). Those who know a little of my story know that I found the lump on my neck myself. My voice was hoarse and my throat was sore so I massaged my neck and found a lump. Take a few minutes and check your neck, you never know.
Today I wear Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Bare Sparkle-a champagne colored gloss with a pearl sheen, gorgeous alone or on top of lipstick. Memories are a beautiful, sparkly thing!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Leave a Reply