October Awareness

This is my first posting in October. October is breast cancer awareness month and as such, I feel it only appropriate to write something regarding this topic. This concern is especially important to me not only because I am a woman, but because my very closest friend is a survivor, now going on 21 years!

So, to you, my dear friend, to all the others who have survived this deadly disease, and to those who have sadly fallen to it, I honor you.

No more shhh ...

Years ago, when I was a child, you never mentioned the word cancer. Rather, it was only spoken about in hushed sounds and referred to as the "Big C." People lived in fear. I suspect this fear got in the way of their offering the kind of emotional support that was so desperately needed by those who were afflicted.

Today, thankfully, there are so many medical advances and treatments available. Though still frightening, it is no longer an automatic death sentence when one is told that they have been diagnosed with cancer.

Additionally, also now known are behaviors that can be done preventatively as far as diet, exercise, and routine medical visits. Of course, whether you entertain these options is a choice you make.

A more significant advance

Here's another choice you can make ... and the one that is really the subject of this blog. When someone you know has been told they have an awful disease, are you there for them?

I remember that when my friend was stricken with breast cancer, we went through it together. Our physical proximity was such that we could only communicate via telephone. On many days before I called her, I hesitated, unsure of what I would hear on the other end. And then I would remind myself that if she could bear under what she was living through, I could deal with listening to her.

Sadly, recently a lot of people close to me have been going through some very difficult illnesses. Though they are not breast cancer, I honor them, too. Sometimes, I wonder why periodically there seem to be a multitude of "bad" things. My answer is that it serves as a reminder to be grateful for what I do have.

I have tried to really be available to each of these people. I will not lie -- there are times I am tired and emotionally drained. And then I remember what they are going through. Support has been found to be one of the best things in times of stress. It's the least I can do.

Support can be offered in a number of ways: listening, pitching in with some of the chores, providing some of the meals, or sending some funny email jokes. It lets the person know you are thinking of him or her and that he or she matters. So, though October may be breast cancer awareness month, let's try to be more aware in general.

I invite all of you to get a free monthly newsletter with relationship tips. To sign up, go to: www.ChoiceRelationships.com