Raw Emotions

So it finally happened!!!! I am not sure if I overreacted or I was right in what I said and did.  I just couldn’t take it anymore.  As many know my mom has been battling long-standing complications from a surgical procedure to remove a cancerous tumor from her jaw a few years ago.  This has left her with many scars and disfigurements on her face and neck.  I still believe that she is a beautiful woman, no matter what she looks like.  I know that she is a beautiful, strong woman and I hope I have half her courage.  Anyway, for a long time, every time we go out shopping, gambling or whatever, there are many people that stare at her.  I am usually on the defensive waiting for a sly remark or something.  Maybe I should just chill out?! 

Others just glance and smile as if to say “I’m sorry, I hope all is well”. But last night, the stares were unrelenting; the girl on the escalator and then this guy in the café at the casino.  He made no effort to control his glares.  When mom was standing up in front of him, he was looking (staring), tilting his head to get a better look at her scars and all of the surgical features.  She and dad did not see this happening.  They began to walk away and as I grabbed my things from the café table, I walked up to him and said “Take a Picture, it Lasts Longer”.  Now maybe he really did not mean anything by his actions, however, he was making it too obvious with his rude stares.  When I told my mom and dad what happened I think they were a little mad at me.  My mom in her typical fashion said “Don’t’ let it bother you, it doesn’t bother me”. 

I can’ t help it though, I love her and want to protect her.  Maybe it’s because I have been teased, picked on and bullied in school.  I know how it feels to have others stare and make rude comments.  If others only knew what she has been through and has endured over the last few years than maybe they would understand and not stare.  It’s RUDE!!!!!!!!