Ahhh…summer.

We all feel better when the sun is shining.  The sun nourishes us and encourages us to go outside.  I have  a love/hate relationship with the sun.  If you read my blog regularly, you’ll remember that my daughter had a serious sunburn this year and I felt terrible about that.  I have tremendous guilt that I let that happen to her.  I have also had many sunburns in my life.  It is not fun.  It is also very dangerous.  At times I love it and chase it and at other times, I fear it. 

I was reminded of this the other day while talking to a friend.  She lost her sister to skin cancer.  Her name was Jeanie O’Malley.  She was young, beautiful, vibrant.  She had young children and sisters that love her and a job and a life like yours and mine.  It’s been 7 years since she died yet I’m sure every day for her family, it’s still a shocking, unbelievable loss.  It’s tragic.

My friend sent me a video I want to share with you about Melanoma.  It’s a powerful reminder that life is fragile.  The people in the video are addressing their 16 year old selves.  “Dear 16 year old me…” they say.  Gosh, if I could talk to my 16 year old self, I’d have a LOT to say.  I hope you watch the video  and share with your children and friends. Take care of yourself.  The few minutes you take to apply sunscreen could save your life. 

I vacillate between wanting to shield my kids from all things bad and wanting to educate them about dangers in life.  Education is winning out.  I figured I brought them into the world, now I have to teach them how to live in it.  The challenge is to remain hopeful and positive and trusting while speaking truth, recognizing injustice and facing fears.  Not a small feat.

The sun is a good thing.  However, as with all good things, too much of a good thing is just too much. Moderation is key. Be careful, you are loved.   

Please click here for video: Dear 16 year old me