On Red Band Society’s Episode 4, Leo said something that many people grapple with after a major loss or life-changing event, the desire to not be seen as a pity case.
Leo was personally referring to his decision to not pursue a college career in soccer because he didn’t want to always be described as “the soccer player who lost his leg to cancer.” No matter what you think of his choice, in the end Leo was just making one thing clear – he is more than just a kid with cancer who lost his leg.
In the same way that you are more than just the person who loves someone who died.
Look, it’s not easy to know that someone is pitying you. It’s uncomfortable as hell. It’s an unwelcome feeling and it basically makes you feel a little less human and a little more like just the physical extension of one thing that happened to you.
“To you” is the important phrase to keep in mind when it all feels overwhelming. You did not ask for someone to die, you had zero actual input in the matter. This happened to you and even though you have to learn to live with it and it eventually becomes a significant part of your personal story, it is in no way everything you are.
You have lost someone you loved, yes. But you are also probably: incredibly funny, smart, colorful, kind, beautiful, witty, a great writer, an adventurous reader, a world traveler, a binge watching fanatic. The list can go on and on.
But, no matter how long the list spans, you will never, ever, ever be a sob story.
You are the protagonist in a story of strength and courage. You see the silver lining in life’s crappiest moments. You have not only learned to survive, you also thrive.
You, my Too Damn Young friend, are the furthest thing from a sob story.
Image: Red Band Society Facebook
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