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Red Lipstick and Heart Tattoos
March 13, 2008
Between health issues, family issues, house issues and the winter doldrums, I really wanted nothing more than to stay in bed with the covers over my head. But my dear friend Mary had other ideas. We have been attending the Smart Talk Women's lecture Series at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts for the past couple of years and have seen and heard the likes of Jane Fonda, Brooke Shields, Joy Behr and Maya Angelou. It's always been entertaining, inspirational and fun. But last night took me by surprise.
Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas came out in 2004, but after spending a couple of hours in the presence of this author, it feels like a new bestseller just walked in the door.
Why I Wore Lipstick tells of a 27 year old Geralyn working her dream job as a 20/20 producer when she learns she has breast cancer. Her journey down the rabbit hole is filled with horror, denial, and sometimes anger. But what she comes away with is hope, self-awareness and a new mission in life...finding your "inner cleavage."
Geralyn tell her tale with charm and humor. She went to a strip club when diagnosed and lamented the fact that after having a breast removed, she'd never be able to work as a stripper. Then she remembered that she never wanted to be one to begin with. To celebrate her final hours with her own "boobs," Geralyn dresses in tight jeans, and very form fitted top, just to reaffirm her body's affect on men before going under the knife. She's please (in a good way) when 2 cabs nearly crash in New York trying to pick her up. Her driver tells her she's hot and she has the need to let him know he wouldn't feel that the next day. So she tells him about her upcoming mastectomy and soon to be baldness, thinking, "So there, now I've stunned you into silence." He pull the cab to the curb, crawls in the back seat, takes her hand and tells her he has one ball. Apparently, this cab driver cancer survivor had testicular cancer. (There's more to this hilarious, heartwarming story and you'll just have to read the book).
After feeling crappy myself all day, within minutes of hearing Geralyn speak, I was messmerized by her wit, charm and humor. This woman can work a room and it was evident by the laughter and tears from the audience filled with people who's lives have been touched by this horrendous disease.
At the book signing after, women stood in line clutching their copies of Geralyn's book, waiting for their moment to speak with someone who really "understands." She showed off her Emmy Shoes (worn to the award show for the Emmy nominated movie of her book) and even her heart tattoo on her breast. Geralyn's compassion showed in each individual meeting as women shared their stories. Hugs were generously given and hope and faith lit up the room. I have a new hero.
Bottom Line: I wish I could tell you everything Geralyn said exactly the way she said it. Her courage isn't only about breast cancer, but anything we face in life. So, my gift to you is to tell you to read this book and pass it on to everyone you know.
Posted by Barbara Vey on March 13, 2008 | Comments (25)
