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....
Suzzann - Strange kismet at work here. I came to your blog b/c I too was chosen by Navigating Cancer as one of their featured bloggers. (B/C at 33, which was 11 years ago.) I've recently written a book that perhaps you could have used, as you mention in this blog. It's called Nowhere Hair, and it explains cancer of a loved one to kids. Basically it does the heavy lifting, without being heavy. And the watercolor illustrations (done by a Dutch fashion illustrator) look like something you'd appreciate (seeing your GORGEOUS hair image on this blog.) Looking to tell as many young women (and women who have young kids in their life because they are grandmothers or teachers or friends) about this book ... in case a friend needs help like you did. Here's the book video sneak peak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqZzTqYC15w and my website: www.NowhereHair.com. Would love to connect. sueglader@comcast.net Fondly, sue
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