My four year old daughter has this habit of asking the parents of her school mates, if she can go to their house for a “play date.” I would tell her that it is not polite to invite yourself over to someone’s house. This didn’t work- and she continued to ask. It had gotten to the point that I would make sure that I was the last parent to pick up. This way I would not run into anyone that she could ask.
One day a woman named Lisa, who has a daughter Abria finally invited my daughter over for a play date. Well, it was all my daughter talked about for a week. To be honest I don’t seek play dates because of our very busy schedule.
I reluctantly agreed to the play date, knowing my daughter would be upset if I cancelled. Lisa lived about 15minutes from the school. The whole time driving there I was getting impatient, thinking about all the things I had to do when I got home. This was the last thing I wanted to be doing.
The play date carried on- the girls got along very well. When talking to Lisa, she mentioned that she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two days ago. I was stunned and didn’t know what to say. Here she was carring on with this play date and being so happy and positive. I had goose bumps on my arms.
She told me about all the procedures that she had to go through. I looked at her georgeous curly long hair and thought- how absolutely tragic. I told her if there was anything I could do please don’t hesitate to ask. I felt like an idot after I said it.
On the way home I started to cry. I never personally met someone who was going through Breast Cancer. It became all to real- and I said a prayer for Lisa. You see the statistics, but they never sink in until you meet someone who is going through Breast Cancer. I looked at my daughter in the rearview mirror- knowing that she needs her mother. I can’t even begin to imagine how Lisa feels about her daughter.
I am grateful for that play date. I needed to get real about the important things in life and not get caught up in all the little day to day stuff. I am going to bring Lisa flowers next week and try to be a friend!!!
Queen Stacey
