Weekly Round-Up: The Mother’s Day Special
Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blogs which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Remember, if you have written or read a post recently which you would like me to share with readers, then please leave a comment below.
Today we celebrate Mother’s Day here in Ireland, Mothering Sunday in the UK, and I want to start off this special round-up with sharing some words from the blog me, mine and other bits, in which Fiona calls Mother’s Day “a bittersweet notion.”
We’ve all had a mother, but not all of us still do. Some of you lost your mother many years ago, some since this time last year. Others have recognised the increasing frailty of a parent; a loss of vigour or independance.These Hallmark celebration days become markers. This year, I wasn’t shocked by not needing to buy a card. Progress takes many forms.
Martine Brennan is acknowledging those invisible mothers, the women who have lost their babies and the pain they feel on this day.
Nancy is marking time, remembering her mother five years after her death.
This week we also celebrated International Women’s Day, and Yvonne marked the day with another evocative post on the Irish writer, and “scandalous women”, Edna O’Brien. I feel the need to quote Kathleen Hoffman’s comment when writing of Yvonne’s blog: “Every time I read your blog I learn and grow….”
Setting aside the Mother’s Day/International Women’s Day theme, let’s take a look at what else has been happening in the blogosphere this past week.
Eileen is tackling some of the myths surrounding cancers, chiefly, it is caused by something we eat/didn’t eat; think/didn’t think; feel/don’t feel…and on and on.
Catherine has been digging into the past and has unearthed a remarkable ancestor.
In the bittersweet, Adjusting To Life Anew, Jan writes of trying “to focus on the hope of living in this new abode as I manage my symptoms”.
Jackie received a special gift this week.
Debbie is redefining success on her Where We Go Now blog while The Pink Underbelly knows just how to define success, a lesson she learns while sharing some mother/daughter time and reflecting on what life is truly all about. Life is about creating those precious memories which will live on after we are gone, and this is a theme also echoed in Chris’s Cancer Community blog (do take the time to check out Chris’s blog, a new friend in the blogosphere).
Elaine continues with her pledge to write a haiku a day.
Beth reviews Dan Silverman and Idelle Davidson’s book Your Brain After Chemo.
Philippa is seeking out wonders, recounting an inspirational session she attended recently at the Irrawaddy Literary Festival.
In the beautifully titled, Farewell Beautiful Soul, Liza is writing of finding peace after the death of a loved one.
“This one is going to rankle some feathers… “writes Lori by way of introduction to her latest post I am a Cancer Victim. Lori has written on a topic that I have touched on recently and judging by your responses to both our blogs on this issue, it is something that many of you also feel strongly about. I am becoming increasingly disturbed at the hierarchical and judgmental tone that is taking over what should be an inclusive and supportive online space for all of us. I have had readers write privately to me to say they have stopped commenting for fear of saying the “wrong” thing. This makes me so sad. Surely we walk a tough enough path without having to censor what we say about what we feel for fear of incurring the judgment and censor of others?
This point was brought home to me reading Audrey’s latest blog, in which she practises both passion for a cause she believes in, with understanding that others may have different ways to approach things. It is a delicate balance.
This seems an appropriate juncture to leave you this week with the words of Steve Maraboli, shared this week on The Authentic Me blog
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can –
At all times, Dare to be!
Until next week.
Dare to be the best you can!
Yours with love
Marie xxx
An excellent round up, Marie. I look forward to reading those posts I’ve not yet seen. Lori’s post most certainly touches a nerve, and it saddens me to hear you’ve known of people withdrawing because they are scared to say the wrong thing. I’m certain we all have terms we prefer to use or avoid . . . but to make people feel unwelcome or judged – particularly those who are new on the scene and not aware of sensitivities . . . well, maybe that’s something as community we need to work on together. Some people find comfort in pink, some people aspire toward survivorship, some people feel violated & victimized, some are stage one, or two, three or four. Regardless, we’ve all been facing cancer, and I think many of us appreciate compassion and support.
I don’t mind people expressing their preferences and opinions. Actually – it’s essential and brings awareness to so many experiences, exploitations, etc. But we ought to be sensitive to one another. Support is the bottom line. At least, that’s how I feel. ~Catherine
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Catherine, you have summed things up beautifully here. I agree that we should be able to express ourselves freely and openly, but equally if we makes any claims to be a supportive community we must also be respectful of others’ opinions too, especially as you say with regards to those who are new to this sphere themselves.
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Thinking of you today, Marie, knowing how hard these milestone days are. We miss our moms every day, but on these special days, the longing is more pronounced and the absence is felt even more deeply. Know that your mum would be so pleased & proud to know you’re carrying on anyway, being a mentor to so many and a leader in the blog world. Much love.
P.S. Thanks for including my blog in the Round Up; it’s always an honor. xo
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Nancy, thank you so much. I will never forget your support during the time of my mom’s illness and I re-read your guest post on the motherless daughters club many times and found comfort and a feeling of solidarity in re-reading it.
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This is my first time visting your blog and what a lovely introduction – I get plenty of bang for my buck with this post 😉
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Mother’s Day causes pain and grief for so many people – those who have lost thier mothers, those with abusive, selfish, unloving mothers (and yes, they exist too!) those who cannot become mothers and mothers whohave lost their children – so please do spare a thought for those suffering today and reach out to them as this post says in some small way – the gesture will mean so much, I promise you.
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I simply love the round-up. Even if I don’t get to my blog reading during the week, I always manage to check out a few with your persistent reviews! Thank you, Marie. I’m honored to be included.
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Your blog really resonated with me this week Lori – thank you!
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As always, thanks for the roundup and including me as well. You’re a wonderful resource to the cancer community.
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Eileen it’s a real delight to watch your blog grow week by week 🙂
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Thanks for this great round up. You bring up a great point when we are starting to avoid expressing our thoughts because we are afraid we will offend people. It’s a delicate balance and what counts most is that we respect each other and encourage different ideas and thoughts about so many topics. I am sure it must be so difficult to be without you mum especially Mother’s Day. I absolutely know your mum would be so proud of all of the work you are doing.
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Susan, thank you for your kind words – they mean a lot to me. You are so right about the delicate balance! It can be hard to strike the right balance, but with respect, empathy and a desire to genuinely support each other on this journey, we move a step closer to achieving it.
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I’ll never forget my mother. She remains in my heart and mind at all times. Sometimes I’ll hear her voice when I’m feeling particularly down. At those times she reminds me that she, too, went through cancer, that I can experience joy as she did, and now all her pain is gone forever. I pray that you continue to heal from your grief, Marie. You are so special, and your mum would be so proud of you, as Susan says. Thanks for including my blog in your fantastic round-up. xox
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Dearest Jan, I find comfort in your words – thank you xxx
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