My husband’s young cousin is making plans to come visit us for Spring Break. She’s 21 and super excited about getting out of the snow and cold for a little while. Not to brag, but we’re actually pretty fun for some old folks. She told her friends, yeah, they’re old but they’re not OLD. I’m not sure what capital OLD means, but I guess I’m glad I’m not that…
Anyway, she and my hubby were texting back and forth, talking about our recent spate of gorgeous weather – sunny, blue skies, 70-80 degrees. And then as she’s talking about wanting to sit by the pool and relax, they had this exchange:
(HER): I can’t wait to come down there and just hang out by the pool! I can do that all day while you guys are at work. I could stay at the pool ALL DAY. I’m so excited.
(HIM): Just so you know, our sun is a lot more intense than you’re used to. You probably won’t be able to stay out all day. You’ll need to find some shade so you don’t burn.
(HER): I’m going to get a new bathing suit. I’m going to try to get a tanning package too so I can get a base. I don’t want to fry when I’m down there.
(HIM): Um, tanning beds don’t help prevent you from getting burned. And tanning beds are really bad for you. They can give you skin cancer.
(HER): WHATEVER, I always tan before going out in the sun and I never get burned. Tanning beds are fine. Besides, skin cancer isn’t that big of a deal.
Yeah, she doesn’t know about my diagnosis. We haven’t really told anyone on his side except for his parents. And her attitude, born of a 21-year-old’s indestructibility, is typical. It makes me wonder how she is going to react when she sees my scar. I mean, if I’m wearing shorts, she’s going to see it whether I make a big deal out of it or not. She’s going to be here right after my follow-ups for my excision and my 3-month checkup. Who knows if I’ll be nursing spots that have been shaved off when she’s here? Will seeing the scar makes her any more thoughtful about the risks she’s taking now? Or will she assume that it won’t happen to her simply because most people assume it won’t happen to them. That there are no consequences for our youthful folly…
Good work on small scale prevention – not uncommon views or behaviors!
It’s not uncommon; but it’s still really weird when I’ve just gone through this craziness to hear that from a family member who I actually care about a great deal. I’m definitely going to have a heart-to-heart with her when she’s here.