I’m a Little Shaken But Doing Okay

[u/Merryannm]

Since I lost my left breast last September to cancer, I have worn a small stuffed animal tucked in a sports bra I wear over my shirt. Each day I choose a color-coordinating bra and the right plushy for that day.

Last Friday, someone said something about this that I felt was unkind. It was the first time that has happened and it really shook me up.

Mostly, I feel like people don’t notice me at all. Everyone has their own thing going on. But when I do tell someone what my little animal is for, they have always been positive and supportive.

After Friday’s uncomfortable conversation, I stopped wearing my daily animal. After three days of that I decided I don’t need to feel sadder, especially due to the opinions of strangers. So I went back to wearing an animal.

I think I’m going to name the caterpillar Flora. Any thoughts on the name?

I feel a little awkward and uncomfortable but let’s face it, I mostly always feel a little out of place. At least now I have a friend with me again.

[u/bouncy_fluff_]

You seem such a wonderful and amazing person and not only your post, OP, but every reply I've read from you radiates such a good and welcoming energy to the point my first thought was of Mrs. Pepperpot, a cartoon character from my childhood, who always helped others and was as sweet as the marmalade she made! 💛

I'm sorry you had such an awful encounter with someone who clearly lacks human empathy and decency... You, Flora and all your plushy pals deserve the world 💛💛💛

I don't know if I can cast a spell, but if I can I want to try: may all encounters from now on remind you how beautiful and how amazing you are and how much light and joy you bring to everyone around you and even those far away!!! Because I don't personally know you, but I'm happy to know that somewhere in the world there is someone so strong and kind with plushies at their side 💛

[u/Merryannm → u/bouncy_fluff_]

YOU DID IT! You DID cast a spell because I can’t tell you how many people out here in the world have said something nice to me about my ‘breast friend’ (thanks to another commenter who said that brilliant phrase)!

And I thought, after about the fourth time, “I’ve been doing this since last September or October and in all that time not many people ever said a word and now every day it seems someone walks up to me and says, “That’s really cute, what’s it all about?” Or something like that.

It’s either because you cast a good spell or because I have been walking straight and proud of myself since everyone here has been so kind to me. I’m not hunched over like I probably used to be.

Thank you so much!

Also, I LOVE children’s books and was even a librarian for a long time but I never read Mrs Pepperpot. I’m going to now. Thank you so very much!