On Movember

Bloggers for Movember is a movement to promote mental health and/or cancer issues. I learned about it from Le Clown, whose post became Freshly Pressed. I promised him then I would do a post, and not that he has soared past Freshly Pressed status and one his way to heading WP, I fear his possible wrath.

While some suggested growing a moustache during this month to support the cause, I had to pass on that idea. After all, I had a moustache for many years. I shaved it on January 1st several years ago. Interestingly, it took my wife two weeks to notice – and that was after someone asked her when I shaved it! Therefore, I’m going the blog post route. I also invite anyone here to join the cause, thus use Le Clown’s post as your guide.

Whether though family or friends, most, if not all, bloggers have known someone had their life shortened by cancer. Some of you may recall this past post when we lost a good friend. We last saw her at handbell practice urging her to take care of herself; then three weeks later we were at her funeral.

At this moment, my wife has beaten melanoma – and we continue to hope and pray for the continuation of a positive tomorrow.

My first close exposure to cancer was in the early 1980s as we lost an aunt – my Dad’s sister. Later that decade, cancer took my mother at an age that I have passed. My dad’s other sister fought cancer before losing her life to other complications. In other words, it’s in my genetic linage.

I cannot proclaim that getting a prostate exam is a memorable event – but I do get it twice a year. I don’t know why, but my urologist likes to talk politics with me soon after entering the room.

Let’s look at the given: 1) My family history; 2)He is so far to the political right that he is almost left; and 3) He is about ready to stick his finger where the sun doesn’t shine … therefore, I am very careful with how I reply to his inquiries.

Men, if you are over 50, follow the advice of Larry the Cable Guy and Git er done. Ladies, if you have a male in your life over 50 that you cherish, encourage them with your velvet-hammer manner. After all, whether timely or belatedly, it’s a perfect way to celebrate Proctober.