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
©2011 Sue Bidstrup, Great Big Yes™ All Rights Reserved image from friendsofjane.com
Malignant Melanoma almost claimed my brother when he was just 18. He was a freshman in college home on break when it was diagnosed. The doctor said if he had waited just 1 month longer to get checked it would have spread to his lungs. He has a large scar on his back & skin grafts were taken from his thigh. Nothing to mess around with, we get checked annually.