Joining in & Staying out

  Together We Fight
       There are many groups that I am associated with from softball, students, Connecticut residents, and being a woman.  But most importantly I am a member of a group of women that are brought together by an unpleasant situation.  Breast Cancer.  

Me and my Grandma B

      I have had two of my family members directly impacted with Breast Cancer.  My Grandma Broughton has now had Breast Cancer three times and finally this year she has had a double mastectomy.  She is one of the strongest women I know.  Besides my Grandmother, my Grandma's sister, also known as Grandma T had Breast Cancer.  Grandma T battled for a year but couldn't overcome the tumor and lost her battle in May of 2004.  

     Although I personally do not have this horrible cancer, I am brought together with other women that have lost loved ones or have had run ins with Breast cancer.  We are all a support system for each other, knowing what the other has been through and the pain that they have suffered.  Everyone has been impacted in some way by a sort of cancer.  So having a group of people that you can lean on is very comforting.  

     The universal symbol for Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer awareness is the pink ribbon.  This ribbon is a sign of strength for me.  Any woman who can go through all of that pain and trauma is a hero, this ribbon is just a simple way of pointing out the hero's that we know in our lives.  

  Save the tatas.  I Love You Grandma.  


Why Can't I go?


     Even though there are groups that I can say that I could be associated with, there are a few that I am not.  One of those groups being world travelers.  

http://www.smartlifetips.net/travel-light-smart-safe

     I have never really been out of the country.  Yes I have been to Canada, but I don't think that counts since I grew up in Michigan where going to Canada was a 20 minute drive over a bridge for a day trip.  But I am talking about going on a plane or a boat for hours to arrive in a destination that is nothing like where I have been before.  


     The passport which seems so unimportant like a pair of socks to some is like a golden ticket to all of the places that I have ever dreamed of going.  I have wanted a passport since I was 10.  That is my first step in getting on a plane.  Someday I hope both of my dreams can come true. 

     Today, and especially being a college student, I have noticed that just about everyone has gone abroad.  Now most of my friends and classmates are studying abroad in other countries, traveling to other countries on the weekend, and really getting to experience the world.  My boyfriend in fact, has been to more countries than he can count on his fingers and toes because he lived in France for two years. 

     I am so jealous.  I see ads everyday for resorts on beaches, cruises on the Mediterranean, and explorations throughout the jungles.  The word of mouth around campus talking about other countries has been making me want it and need it in my life.  I am missing out on something fantastic and life changing.  I'm crossing my fingers that it will soon happen for me soon, I'm only 20.  I have a long life of traveling and exploring to go in my future.