A Letter To My Lopsided Bra
When we first met, I didn’t like you! You were not a part of my life that I ever expected and one that would forever be with me. I did not invite you to be with me, you just appeared one day. You reminded me of all the pain and sickness I went through, a time that I just wanted to forget. You reminded me of a diagnosis that I was shocked to receive and that turned my world upside down. I felt like I was missing a part of me, which in a sense I was, as a huge chunk was taken out of my right breast. I didn’t like looking at you or the giant scar that was left, to always remind me of what I used to be. I didn’t feel beautiful in my own skin. I felt deformed and unfeminine. You were painful and uncomfortable, and I just wanted you to GO AWAY!
Over time, I grew to accept you…more so tolerate you, like you tolerate a pimple that has appeared on your skin. Gradually I didn’t notice you as much, hoping you would go away. Although you have not gone away. My bra is still lopsided every day I put it on, with one side gaping. But I carry on, as life does carry on, and try not to think about you. I chose to wear baggy clothes, so it wasn’t obvious that you were smaller on one side. I purchased different bras that would fit better, but they never do. One side was always tighter so I would be constantly adjusting the bra.
Fast forward three years since you have joined my life. I now not only tolerate you; I look at you as my battle wound—my warrior wound that shows me what I have lived through and what I can overcome. Your lopsidedness is a badge of honour that I wear proudly. Now when I put on my bra and it doesn’t fit quite right, I embrace it and am thankful that I still have both my breasts. I am thankful that I still have my life to live. I am thankful that I have been given a second chance so I can watch my boys grow up, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy all that is my life! A lopsided bra is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, and a good reminder that life is too short to sweat the small stuff. So, to my lopsided bra, I thank you for being in my life and helping to remind me that I have A LOT to live and FIGHT FOR! – Caley Wolf
