Boobies, Bracelets and Ten Year Olds

The other day, I noticed my 10 year old grandson wearing an I "heart" boobies bracelet.  I know there has been a lot of discussion about kids wearing these bracelets in school and whether or not they understand the meaning behind these bracelets.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer Austin was only 5.  Too young I felt to fully comprehend why I had lost my hair, why I was so tired and why I was always going to the doctor.  I guess I tried to shelter him from all that the big bad "C" had to offer to an individual as well as a family.  I've never spoke to him about that time in my life, until recent.

This bracelet he was wearing opened the door for this such discussion with a very smart ten year old.

So we sat, Nonna to grandson and talking very "matter of fact".  His knowledge of breasts and cancer utterly amazed me.  I was pretty frank in questioning him about why he wore this bracelet.   After all, if he was going to wear one, he needed to understand the significance of it and not just because his friends were wearing one.  His responses were almost adult like.  He explained to me that these bracelets represent breast cancer and awareness and "people should wear these to show their support."  He also acknowledged that "a woman's breasts can get cancer and that's not good for her and some women die from breast cancer."  
With that, he told me he remembered when I was "sick" with cancer and that I had no hair and wore hats all the time.  He wanted me to know that he told his friends that I had breast cancer but not anymore and that I'm better now.  Yes Austin, I am all better now.

My dear grandson, you have taught me something very important; never to underestimate the understanding that a ten year old has of cancer and the meaning of his I love boobies bracelet. 
May you wear your bracelet with pride and in good health my love....

A New Year, A New Name, A New Beginning

There's one thing about living in Chicago that you begin to think about this time of year...Spring.  In comes January and along with it, it brings the bitter cold, short days and long nights.  We Chicagoans look forward to the crocuses peaking up from the snowy ground.  Then, we're on the look out for the first robin signaling that we've rounded that winter corner and now headed towards longer days and brighter sunlight. Ahhhh, a new beginning.

A fresh new beginning and, a fresh new name of the breast cancer support group at our local hospital. We will no longer have the title of a support group, but a Survive and Thrive group.  Much more fitting for some of todays cancer patients that go on to lead and live a long life.  Leading by example to those still in treatment that there is life after cancer.  Showing them the ropes.  Talking about what's important to them in todays world as a cancer survivor.  Maybe it will be their hopes, their dreams or their new found passion, but one thing the "newbies" of  survivorland will experience with this group; a new program, a new location and a fresh new start on their brand new life.