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Pragmatist
Pragmatist

Something to write about today
Wed May 14 2008

I gave my first speech at Toastmasters today. Since it was my first speech, it was supposed to be an "Icebreaker," that is, all about me. However, I wanted to give the (severely edited) speech I gave at the Reception and Tea for cancer survivors.

In a way, it was an Icebreaker, in that I talked about my relationship with my daughter and how it grew after she took care of me when I had the first mastectomy.  We were never close, and in fact, I was pretty much the enemy when she was growing up.

She turned out to be a loving and supportive daughter.  I still talk to her when I need to talk out a problem. She's very wise.

I had some very nice comments on my speech, and in particular about warning the men present that it isn't only women who get breast cancer.  I suggested that they each ask the significant woman in their lives to show them how to do the breast examination. I added that they should be serious about the self-examination because "the life you save could well be your own."

I concluded with: "So, the child who wanted nothing to do with me, Megan became a trusted friend as well as an attentive and loving daughter.  Maybe the cancer was a blessing in disguise."


Bless

4 Comments
  • From:
    Mamallama (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu May 15 2008
    I've always said that out of something bad, something good will come.
    Hugs, Tiggs
  • From:
    MizzM (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu May 15 2008
    Very powerful closing line--the signature of a good speechmaker!

    When you speak of things close to your heart, you can do wonderful things!

    Congratulations to you for not only finding the positive within something so negative, but also for having the courage and resolve to share it.
  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu May 15 2008
    I think what brought you closer is - the challenge. we never truly are the enemy of each other unless we are the enemy of ourselves. unless we are not kind, not compasionate as a person in a whole. your daughter was never your enemy. she might've been distant from you for one or another reason until something pushed you back together again. I'd say - give a person a chance to be good and they will take it and will shine in it.
    well done with your speech. the topic chosen was perfect for icebreaking.
    {{hugs}}
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu May 15 2008
    My daughter and I have become close again after several years of not being so.... It is wonderful to have a daughter again!!
    Bravo on your speech....