Try to forgive her if you can. Whenever someone says somthing idiotic like that, it always makes me wonder if I have ever unintentionally offended someone by my words....probably....
I told my dad this since he has had both... he said he wouldn't be offended but that someone needs to set her straight. True, both teenagers and cancer change your life (most of the time positively if the outcome is good) but cancer/chemo/drugs for chemo issues are more intense than THE WORST teenager ever could be.
I thought that his comments were interesting. And, I also have to say that there IS something good about cancer. It has changed our entire family's way of thinking, giving and living.
Since she said that her friend says it, maybe her friend has cancer, so she thinks it's acceptable to compare the two, since her friend would state it as fact?
I would be feeling VERY sorry for this persons child.
In the one single post, she is expecting academic excellence, and seeing that as a big problem. And is even able to utter the words 'children' and 'cancer' in the same breath....
This lady has serious parenthood issues.
I feel sorry for her child, as I am sure that these attitudes have their affect, even if indirectly.
I wouldn't be able to bite my tounge for the 3 times it was stated.
I'd have to say something like, "You know, some people might think a statement like that is trivalizing having cancer." And excuse yourself from the situation.
She really does need to get a clue. And you don't need to hear it over and over.
I admit that it is a weird comparison, but as stated by the OP, I think I get what she was trying to say (or maybe I am reading too much in). For those who have teenagers (we have a well-behaved 16 yo), you understand the tremendous emotional roller coaster involved with raising a teenager, worrying about their safety, and sharing in their little triumphs. You have good days and you have bad days, and a lot of it is just outside of your control and you have to let go. Having been close to a lot of cancer patients, they have described many of those same kinds of emotions to me at different times. But, with most cancer you never get to see it mature and "leave home", there aren't proud moments you have with your kids, etc. But, both are things that WILL seemingly try to kill you at one time or another, LOL. I understand why one would be upset with the comparison, but try not to let it get you angry or down.
I agree the comparison stinks. I'd be tempted to say how sorry you are that she considers her kids comparible to cancer. Maybe she needs to have it pointed out to her what she is saying? She obviously finds it clever and I'd hate to think she'll be repeating it in front of her kids!
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