What can I say to people?

Re: What can I say to people?

• dolewhipper member

  

  October 2014

  I have a few tattoos that honor my dad who passed from stomach cancer. One of them is 12-13, the date he was diagnosed, on the nape of my neck, so whenever I have my hair up people tend to ask if it's my birthday (which I don't understand why anyone would want to do that, but to each their own). The conversation usually goes like:

  Me: No, it's the day that my dad was diagnosed with cancer.

  Them: (stunned look) OMG I'M SO SORRY, is he okay?

  Me: He died two years ago, but on that day it brought us closer as a family, and we would have a party every year on that day celebrating his life. 

  
  

  I don't think cancer should be "bad" word. 1 in two men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their lifetime. I've felt the need to bring awareness, so I personally would say that it was cancer, and just say that you're hanging in there and thank them for the prayers.

  One time I picked up a canvas photo I printed from WalMart of my dad and I, and the greeter asked me about it. We got in a conversation about how her daughter had just passed from a very aggressive cancer. She thanked me for my time and sharing my story, and how it encouraged her to talk about her story (she hadn't been able to overcome her emotions). I believe talking not only can help a person dealing with it, but also help others.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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