Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Taking The Time

Sometimes you must take the time to be happy – to force yourself to shrug off that dark cloud that sits on your shoulder and put a smile on your face.

I looked in the mirror the other day and wondered who the person was with the ‘frowning  face’? You know the type – the people whose line of their mouth carries on down towards their chin – a permanent extended frown. The biggest upside down smile you can imagine.

I know I didn’t look like this before I took on the battle of the permanent pain thing these last couple of years. So I’ve set myself a goal – to turn that frown upside down. I’m just going to add that onto my goal list and work on it.

I find it odd that I have this upside down smile because I work hard at being in a happy mood every day. However sometimes the body is more powerful than the mind, but I’m not going to give up on my mind (again)!

Way back when beating Aims seemed to be the best game around for 3 decades, I always smiled to cover up the pain, both physical and emotional. I am not the only person who did/does that either.

These days I go every Friday to the hospital and get my bladder injected. There are three of us who have made friends and who cheer each other on. One comes from quite a distance away and with her illness can’t drive so her husband usually brings her. One day I met a beautiful woman who had driven my friend. Not only was she very pretty, but more importantly I felt a kindness that surrounded me when I spoke with her – like wings or a big blanket.  She made my day with her smiles and good wishes.

When she didn’t drive my friend the next time I learned that she has breast cancer. My heart sank and that instant fear all us women feel for each other took over. Now this morning I have learned that her partner is a Beater. I wanted to cry. I wanted to go defend her with such anger that I’m afraid of what I might do.

The BASTARD!

I hear she is safe – hidden away from him for a week. I’m hoping she isn’t thinking that a week will change him. I’m hoping she knows she has to keep running, she has to keep strong for herself twice over!

How angry this makes me! I often don’t understand how people can do this. Where is compassion? Where is love?

This wonderful woman took the time out from the horror of her life and made a couple of us gals feel better. I think her wings are made of gold.

Please take the time today to smile at a stranger and to read some of these stories. We all need support and a smile from a stranger.

It’s time to make a change.

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13 comments:

Rachel Green said...

So sorry for your friend's friend.

abb said...

So very sorry to hear this. I hope she finds her peace.

And that frown-up-side-down thing? That's me - just naturally goes that way, not that I'm frowning.

Daryl said...

I'd go with you to smack the sheet outta him

Akelamalu said...

I hope your friend's friend has the good sense to stay away from him forever.

Keep smiling Aims. x

Maggie May said...

What a cad! It seems to happen to the best people. Hope she manages to get away from him and get over that blasted disease. She needs to think of herself more.
Love those watches.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Aimee ~ This post brought tears to my eyes. How awful for your friends friend.

Pain does have a way of zapping us of positive, happy energy.

Love and hugs to you dear heart,

FlowerLady

Fi from Four Paws and Whiskers said...

my friend was abused and has had bladder issues.... in fact she has had it removed. Hope yours is not a problem...
I am sure constant stress carries long term effects....

Mima said...

Sorry to hear that your friend has cancer and that her situation is so awful. Moments that we can spend with friends are so precious that we must treasure them. I hope that she is able to find peace away from him.

Maggie at Violence UnSilenced said...

I am so, so sorry for all of this.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for spreading the word about Violence UnSilenced.

Living the Dream said...

Oh aims, how very, very sad. Sometimes life is such a bitch isn't it? What do they say, "when life deals you scraps, make a quilt". I do hope your new friend finds a haven within your friendship as I know you could help her. As to the upsidedown smile, mine is rather bad at the moment so I am trying the upside one as well. That snow!!!! we are complaining that it is too hot too soon here, very bizarre weather.

Magento Themes said...

Very sad to read this post....
How the awful friends friend.. don't worry all will happen good only..
I love those watches..so pretty.
Thanks for this great post.

Inspiring.Informative.Interesting said...

Things will get better soon :)
All the best

Jen said...

Even the supposedly toughest of us has vulnerabilities. Did you know the boxer Sugar Ray Leonard was a victim of abuse?
http://www.dailyrx.com/news-article/sugar-ray-leonard-beats-count-sexual-and-drug-abuse-demons-14023.html
Thank you for reaching out to your friend. I hope she can find the courage to remove herself from the abusive relationship.