Wearing the Mentor Mantle

I had a makeover this week...or at least my face did. I ran out of eyeliner...completely out. I had worn down all the little bits and samples I had until I couldn't hold them any longer. I need to put in a Mary Kay order, but I just haven't gotten in touch with those who regularly order from me. Rob was shopping for shoes and dress pants at Sears (he's out of town next week on business) and I wandered by the make-up counters.

The woman was very helpful, asking what brand do I normally use, is a pencil or a twist etc. I explained that I normally used Mary Kay, but that I had tried some products new to me earlier in the year. I lowered my voice..."I had breast cancer," I said. "I went through the Look Good, Feel Better program and used a number of different and new products."

That started, not only a new look -- I now wear slate coloured eyeliner -- but also lead to her talking about her mother who also had breast cancer. It turns out this woman is my age and scared of developing the disease. She had many, many questions...how did I discover it, what was my treatment. Meanwhile, I went from trying a new colour of eyeliner, to a bit of mascara, some tinted moisturizer (which, I really like and will probably order some the next time I place a Mary Kay order). Then she added a bit of eyeshadow, some blush and little bit of lip gloss. The entire time I answered questions and watched Rob drift in and out of my peripheral vision.

I rarely bring up the topic with strangers, but in this case I, well, I felt compelled. And, as I have been all along throughout my treatment I was open and honest about what I went through. She was the nicest woman and before each question she would say..."now don't answer if you feel this is too personal..." But I did answer and I think perhaps it helped her; for herself and possibly understanding her mother.

We never know who we're going to meet along the road we travel. We don't know what chance comment is going to impact a person or what seemingly trivial information we pass along may become life-changing for another. In the end I gave her my blog address to share with her mother. I don't know if they'll look at it, but if they do hopefully they'll see that each one of us is taking her own journey and with the help of mentors we'll come through it with the elixir and a personal strength. And, if we're very lucky we'll find out more about what's inside of us, than what's outside. Although...a new eyeliner can go a long way towards making you feel like a new woman.