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cancer update, Fall outfits, Life

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don’t Know About

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don’t Know About

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About.Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About.

Dress: Gal Meets Glam (fits TTS)
Coat: Banana Republic (old), similar here and here
Boots: Steve Madden, similar here
Bag: Anthropologie 

Originally, I wasn’t going to about how everyone has a battle. Honestly, it didn’t come to mind at all. At first, I wanted to talk about this Gal Meets Glam dress, the ‘Jessie’. I do love Julia’s collection. So for those who are curious, the dress fits true to size and I’m wearing a size 4. But something has changed and it has a lot to do with when we decided to go out and take some photos of this outfit.

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About.

The Story

While we were in the middle of taking photos a man walking his two dogs (they were so cute!!) was passing by. He walked right past us and then turned around and walked up to Tre.

  • Man: “What type of Canon?”
  • Tre: “Oh it is a Canon 80D.”
  • Man: ‘The reason I asked is because I’m a photographer and I shoot with Canon and couldn’t help but ask. I get interested when I see someone taking photos other than an iPhone’.
  • He then politely asked us what we were doing.
  • Tre: “My wife is fashion blogger.” He asks us if we were doing this as a hobby or school project. Side note: Everyone thinks Tre and I are 20 years old. Not going to lie, I am so loving it haha. We then both proceed to say we are a lot older than we look.
  • Man: “That’s so cool. I spotted a fashion blogger the other day, she’s from Wisconsin, and she was taking photos with her iPhone. So I decided to shoot with my camera for her.” Tre and I told him that that was so nice of him.  And then he showed us his work. We were both in awe. He was very talented and has a good eye. We noticed how he was able to capture emotions in the photos. Seriously, amazing. He then asks me what I talk about in my blog.

I explained to him that it is mainly about outfits and how I style them and also I share my experience with cancer. When he heard cancer he gave me the ‘how’ look without saying a word and I explained to him that a couple years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About.

Everyone Has A Battle We Don’t Know About

He looked at Tre and I and he said, “That’s unbelievable! A couple years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I have metastatic prostate cancer.” My heart sank the second I heard metastatic. I didn’t need to hear the word ‘cancer’ to know what was going on. He looked at me and tells me he gets it. He understands my struggle. Usually with other people, I have to explain how aggressive breast cancer is with young women and the chances of it metastasizing. He knew my risks.

He asked me if I’m currently being treated. I told him yes but no longer doing chemo and I told him about my current treatment plan. He shared his and said he is on a new drug regimen and explained that so far he doesn’t feel any pain in his bones. He hopes this drug can keep it up and shares how he likes what he’s hearing about immunotherapy and he thinks it sounds promising. Then he apologized for taking up our time, and both Tre and I simultaneously told him he’s not at all. We were glad we were able to chat with him and spend time with his cute dogs (one is 9 years old and the other is 6 months – sooo adorable!). We told him again he has an incredible photography talent and hope to run into him again.

Everyone Has A Battle That You Don't Know About.

Let me tell you that if he didn’t tell us he had cancer, I would have never guessed. He looked well and happy. He genuinely seemed like a happy guy and it made me feel happy. The reason why I’m sharing this is because it kind of reminded me how most people assume everything is good with me. Including those who knew I was diagnosed with cancer, they still assumed my life is all good. In their eyes I’m “cured”. Which is the furthest from the truth.

A Reminder

It also reminded me that everyone has a battle that we all may not know about. It is not our business to know what every single person is going through, but it does shed some light that someone fighting something doesn’t have to show a sad face and that we should all be a little more kind in our heart. Get to know others and do our best to help others. There’s this quote I found and it could not have been more true, “When you look at a person, any person, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them.”

Sharing this story ended up being a lot longer than expected, but it is a moment that I think will forever be engraved. I connected with a complete stranger.

xo RD

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Comments

  4. Lee says

    Such an important reminder. And I love that you took the time to stop and talk with this guy instead of brushing him off; which i feel a lot of people would have done.

    Reply

  6. Didier says

    You are so right. Everyone struggles with different things in life and it is not always apparent. IN this case its a good thing though. If the cancer isn’t showing for him, that hopefully means that his treatment is going well!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

    Reply

  7. Brooke says

    Such an important reminder! Love that you were able to share and relate to this man. Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to someone who gets whatever you’re going through. Great post!

    Reply

  9. Cathy says

    It’s so true, you never know what someone is battling or dealing with. People can look fine on the outside but inside there could be turmoil. It’s incredible to me when people keep it together when they are battling something big. You’re doing fabulous and this story is such a great reminder to us all.

    XOXO
    Cathy

    Reply

  10. Elisa says

    This post is so beautiful and not only for the super lovely photos, but also for the sense of humanity it is spreading. Yes, everyone fights a battle and it’s so beautiful when people can connect and share love, support and kindness.
    Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment with us!
    xx Elisa
    http://www.francinesplaceblog.com
    DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG

    Reply

  16. Marlene says

    Thanks for sharing, you are so right! When I encounter someone in a bad mood or being mean, I always try to think to myself that maybe they are suffering from something I have no idea about. Everyone has a story to tell, something they’re worrying about that many of us don’t know about.

    Reply

  19. Stephanie says

    Wow, girl. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. It’s so true that everyone has something going on behind their smiles (or their frowns). It’s why I try my hardest to be kind and gentle with everyone I come in contact with, because I never know what they may be experiencing in their life. Just like people don’t know what’s going on in mine. It’s especially hard with illnesses and diseases that are “invisible” at times. It breaks my heart how people assume nothing is going on – and treat you that way! I’m so encouraged by your reminder to keep that in mind as we’re going about our daily lives. It’s so so important!

    Reply

  22. Maureen says

    I am glad you wrote this. Not only is it inspirational but it applies to all of us. It is also a good reminder to never judge a book by its cover. It is true we will never know what each one of us is going through but as a person the best that we can be is to be kind. Love this dress on you. It’s sophisticated and timeless. You look fabulous!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Reply

  24. Nonee N says

    Wow that was so powerful! I read everything and I couldn’t help but feel that you and the photographer were at the right place at the right time for a reason! I’m sending you positive vibes as you continue to fight this battle! You are beautiful and your outfit is perfection!

    Xx,
    Nonee

    http://www.noneesworld.com

    Reply

  27. Angela Heslop says

    Yes, yes! More people need to open up about their vulnerabilities, I believe the world would be a better place. Such a great writer & storyteller you are – you have a gift, and glad you are sharing it, beautiful post xo

    Angela | http://www.lenorth.com

    Reply

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