Showing We Care
There is a saying that “Cancer Sucks.” It does. With the advancements in treating the disease, it seems I know more people who have prevailed and after treatment and have been able to resume their lives. But, lately that isn’t true. I have attended the funeral of two friends under the age of 50 in the past several months. Both women died of breast cancer. Both of them left daughters the same age as my own daughter, Sarah.
My mother died of ovarian cancer in 1996. She looked into the mirror of mortality everyday for seven years. I learned a great deal in those years. I saw how much it meant to her when others would visit, call, write or send a thoughtful gift. Rather than holding back from fear of what to say, it was the people who reached out that made a difference. It’s not easy to know what to do. What matters is that you do something.
Some people turn to the kitchen and cook to show they care. I tend to avert the kitchen and head to my craft studio.
My cousin was recently diagnosed with melanoma. I’ve been struggling with a way to reach out and show support. Yesterday, I pulled out the things that give me comfort: vintage trims and embellishments, handmade papers, button, paper dyes, and a book of favorite quotes that I keep in my office. Not quite sure where I was going to end up, I started on a minibook filled with quotes I thought would be of comfort during his treatment. Aromas flowed from the kitchen where my daughter was baking for friends who had been in a terrible car accident. Once the cupcakes were in the oven, she came to find me. “See Mom, this is what we do. You craft and I bake. It makes us feel better, and like we are doing something and to show we care.” She’s right, it does.
What do you do to show you care? We could all use some good ideas…
Welcome to the creative community of Red Lips 4 Courage Communications, Inc. We specialize in developing and creating content for books, magazines, and online media. DailyCourage is dedicated to sharing the artistic gifts and stories of inspirational women (including my own foibles). I believe in the courage to carry on, to stay in touch with our creative instincts, and to use them for beautiful outcomes. Beautiful things beget beautiful acts.
I don’t do nearly enough, and as you point out, it doesn’t require much. An idea+a little creativity+ a small investment in time= a big gesture to the recipient.
As a lover of quotes (I have journals filled with them) your idea of a mini book filled with inspirational quotes as a gift of healing is one I do as well. My sister lost her battle with brain cancer 17 years ago and I always remember a quote she kept on her refrigerator … “Worry is like a rocking chair … It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere”. There is so much power in the written word.
Sending Best Wishes to your cousin.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.