I woke up very early this morning. Not sure why, as my crew was still sleeping and will probably sleep as long as i let them. I'm sure that it's because i have much on my mind and it's usually difficult to sleep when i'm like that.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 5ks are in full swing as are the walks and other programs. Money for research is being raised and that's a very good thing. But, sometimes, I just want to scream at Cancer:
"GO AWAY!! LEAVE THE PEOPLE I LOVE ALONE!! IN FACT, JUST LEAVE EVERYONE ALONE! NO ONE LIKES YOU OR WANTS YOU!!". Yeah, i'm mature like that on some days....
I hate having friends who have cancer. I hate seeing friends loose loved ones to cancer. Maybe it's because, other than hugs, cards, gifts, notes and cookies, i'm at a loss at how to really help my friends. Heck, i didn't know how to really help my Mom other than just lay in the bed with her, being near her.
Cancer sucks.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Awareness is being raised for those who are touched by this. Many times, friends and family of a victim have no idea what is happening.
"Neighbors, sisters, friends, whoever these people are they are good at keeping secrets. Secrets that can kill them," said Alisha Gowen, Vernal Victim's Advocate program director.
Domestic violence is a crime — not a dirty little secret to be kept. Sometimes the violence starts as a simple dispute, but soon escalates into physical, psychological or sexual abuse.
The victim suffers fear and confusion; confusion because the perpetrator is often a loved one —a husband, a father, a partner, a mother or a friend.
"People are not aware that it's a crime, particularly if they grew up in a home where there was domestic violence," said Gowen. "Children who were victims themselves often grow up to continue the cycle of abuse."
It's a cycle of despair where offenders often pass the behavior onto their offspring. The last line of what Gowen had to say, that offenders often pass their behaviors onto their offspring, is perhaps the saddest line of all. To let a child see that a victim keeps the 'secret', to let a child see it's okay to hit, scream or yell at someone you "love", just keeps cycle alive.
I do know of ways to help this cause, though. You can donate items to Domestic Shelters that women and children need such as the basics: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc. Many of these shelters run on a shoe-string budget and could use these items for those who come to them for help. You can also call a shelter and see what it is that they need and start your own "Donation Drive" in your neighborhood or among friends. Don't let this be a one time effort, please...
No wonder i couldn't sleep, eh?
I guess what this all goes back to is being involved in your community. Find your passion and pass it on. If your passion is gardening, perhaps you can plan a garden for a senior center. Or if you love painting, maybe you could plan a painting class for children. If you're worried about how to fund these things, call on your local stores to see if they would partner with you. Become a Hospice volunteer.
Be a blessing to others.
Help where you can.
Give where you can.
Hug and love where you can.
Pray for others when you can.
What may seem like a small gesture on your part may be just what someone needs to hold on.
