Think Pink!

BY REBECCA ROSENBLAT

October is breast cancer awareness month in many countries. As such, millions join the cause by participating in various fund-raising efforts for the Pink Ribbon Campaign. Millions also share stories of loved ones affected by the disease, since we all know someone who’s been impacted, either directly on indirectly. What’s lovely about these stories is, over the years, there are more and more with happy endings, as compared to even a mere decade ago. But no matter how many I hear, the following story always brings tears to my eyes, without fail, every single time!

A seven year old boy saw his mom fight her battle against breast cancer. As she received chemotherapy, her hair started to fall off, until there were no more than a few wisps left on her frail head. She’d been strong until then. But when she looked into the mirror, she started to cry, as she shared how ugly she felt, without her hair. The little boy watched and tried to comfort her, by putting his little hand into hers.

Next week, after she returned home from her final session, he came running to the door to greet her, with a hand full of shiny blond hair that he’d cut off his head, and said, “Here Mommy, you can have my hair to feel as pretty as I think you are.” Disheveled as his head looked from the hack job of a hair cut he’d given himself, she couldn’t believe her eyes and said, “My sweet Son, you are the most beautiful boy in the world.” To which he responded, “Even though I have no hair?” She said, “Especially since you have no hair.” The boy hugged her tight and smiled, “You’re beautiful too, Mommy, without your hair … it makes you look like a cute little baby. … But if you still want hair, you can have mine.” The mother was so taken aback by his gesture that she felt more beautiful than ever, despite her life-long struggle with a poor body image.

Next day, the boy’s head was shaved, to make it look even for school, so he doesn’t get teased. He saw himself in the mirror and told his mom, “Now I look exactly like you – the cutest person in the world.”

I hope that story touched you as much as it always touches me. If so, please pass the word to the women you love to get tested regularly. Early detection is the key! I pray that you and your loved ones stay healthy and experience the kind of love the little boy had for his mother, without going through their ordeal!

At Canadian Café, Rebecca Rosenblat guides how to handle relationships and not just maintain their term but also retain their essence. Rebecca Rosenblat, Psychotherapist, Relationship & Sexuality Therapist, and a TV Host in Canada writes for The Sip of Life every month. Rebecca can be contacted at rebecca@thesipoflife.com.