I was thinking this morning about causes. I was reading people magazine and looking at the "beautiful people" at the Oscars. The cause for women's equal rights was mentioned several times along with other causes that the stars find important. It got me thinking about what makes people get involved in particular causes. Usually it is because of a personal experience, or an experience that affected a loved one. It is a way that we can be heard. It becomes a part of us, one way or another. It isn't always because we would have chosen to be involved in a particular cause, but because of the circumstances, we are involved.
I also thought of the other meaning for the word cause. What causes people to do what they do, what circumstance made a person make that particular choice at that particular time in their life? Because someone is depressed, anxious, feeling unworthy, or has a mental health condition that they have dealt with for many years, sometimes their whole lives. These are the "causes" that make it so that individuals feel there is no where to turn, no other choice to make but to end it all. Take the ever growing burden away. Relieve others of the burden they have become. In their minds, everyone will be better off without them here.
Kami was a challenge at times, but never a burden that I couldn't bear. Because Kami was born, I was lucky enough to become the mother of a daughter. I took on the adventure with a full heart and gratitude. I embraced the color pink. My cause was to be the best mom I knew how to be. To Kami and her two older brothers. They stole my heart the minute they were born. There is no greater joy (except being a grandma), than to be a mom. To love your child unconditionally. Sometimes they make it hard to like them, but you always, always love your children.
Because of the choice that Kami made, I now have a cause. My cause has become to bring awareness about mental health and ways to prevent other families having to go through what we have and lose a child to suicide. My cause is to be kind, show other's love, and try not to be judgmental. It is a scary world we live in today. I have found though, as scary as it can be, there are still really good people in the world. Everyone should have something they are passionate about, whether it be by choice or by need. Find your cause and embrace it.
