All That Glitters

All That Glitters...

          I have never really liked the color gold actually. I mean, as far as colors go it has never really been in my arsenal of preferred hues. Anyone who knows me knows that I wear black, almost all the time. Not in a morbid, depressive way but in a I-like-black-because-it-goes-with-everything-is-slimming-and-basically-I-just-like-it sort of way. However, if I had to present a color on my person, honestly? I wouldn't choose gold.

         When I was younger I had my "colors done." You ladies probably know what I mean. Shades draped over you, hues held up to your cheeks and the undertones discussed in detail. I was told I was a "Winter." I was also told that my undertones would better be enhanced by wearing cooler tones, less peach and more pink. Less orange and more red. Less gold and more silver. 

         I have also never been much about bling. More subdued less sparkle. Bling has always been something that felt too showy on me. Good for a lot of others but not really for me.

         Its amazing how things can change in a moment. Now I am all about GOLD. In a moment, with three simple words...seventeen letters,  gold became a powerful color. 

Julianna has cancer

         Gold is the color of Pediatric Cancer Awareness. Although many colors were considered, gold was agreed upon as the ideal choice for childhood cancer awareness because gold is a precious metal, and is therefore the perfect color to reflect the most precious thing in our lives—our children.

        It doesn't matter if the hues of gold may not bring out the best in my undertones, I will wear it with pride. It doesn't matter if sparkle has not really been my style, it is now. When I see the sparkle on my wrist or around my neck I am reminded of HER sparkle how her eyes dance and her giggle bubbles up adding sparkle to everyone who hears it.

       

       Though colors and sparkle do not change outcomes, do not fight the actual cancer, they are weapons against despair and discouragement. The flash of color reminds us of the solidarity of the fight so many face. The precious souls that fight this fight should NOT have to. It breaks my heart when I hear Julianna's sweet voice say, "I like gold because gold is the color of support for pediatric cancer." I want to scream that she shouldn't have to know that. She shouldn't have to understand how a color can represent so much. But she does know...all too well.

       So, despite the fact that it doesn't change some things. It does add courage. So now we carry gold sparkly bags, seek out the shine of gold to remind ourselves of the fight. The fight that so many precious souls carry. Too young to carry these burdens, yet they walk forward, braver then anyone I have ever seen. The courage they and their families face every moment inspire me. The courage Julianna has...no words to express it.

      We wear gold to show support. We wear gold to remind ourselves of the fight. We wear gold to raise awareness of the struggle so many face every day. 

      I pray for each of these precious children that face this battle for their mommy's and daddy's and siblings...Their Nana's and Aunties.   I pray for a world where the only gold we see is the gold on the streets of heaven. Where there is no need to raise awareness because this evil called cancer is NO MORE. 

      Until that day, may we wear GOLD as an honor. To hold the banner of courage high. To pay tribute to each little soul from whom this golden light flows. May the light of their bravery shine into our souls and inspire us to walk as they walk.