this is why i wear my shirt....
So I wore my Cafe Press shirt today-- the one with the A on the front and the anorexia statistic on the back.
I took a few deep breaths this morning before I put it on.
I wore it to run errands.
To stand in line in the post office.
And go to the grocery store.
And to Panera Bread.
Each of these places?
The person behind me read my shirt and said-- ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm reading your shirt-- and I had no idea.
And I talked to them. I told them about Alex's life, and about her struggle. And they got teary eyed. And asked questions. And they all walked away with knowledge.
The week I got back from Racine, I was in a training class. The guy next to me asked about Alex's ring I had on, and we somehow got around to the fact that she had just died. I told him that she was anorexic, and that her heart failed, and that she died.
And he said....
"Well, was she fat?"
I remember thinking-- I have to get out of here, I cannot talk to this man, I am not ready for this. But I did. And when he left that class he said, I am so sorry about your sister, but I am so glad you talked to me. I really had no idea about any of those things. Thank you.
That's what I want.
As much as it hurts, as hard as it can be-- I want to talk to all these people. I want them to know. I could care less if we make any money off of them-- but I want each of you to wear it, and to talk to people. Create awareness. Make them understand.
Thank you for wearing your shirts. Thank you for making a statement. Thank you for fostering knowledge where there once was so much ignorance. I know it's hard. But please know that I am so grateful.
xoxox,
g
I took a few deep breaths this morning before I put it on.
I wore it to run errands.
To stand in line in the post office.
And go to the grocery store.
And to Panera Bread.
Each of these places?
The person behind me read my shirt and said-- ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm reading your shirt-- and I had no idea.
And I talked to them. I told them about Alex's life, and about her struggle. And they got teary eyed. And asked questions. And they all walked away with knowledge.
The week I got back from Racine, I was in a training class. The guy next to me asked about Alex's ring I had on, and we somehow got around to the fact that she had just died. I told him that she was anorexic, and that her heart failed, and that she died.
And he said....
"Well, was she fat?"
I remember thinking-- I have to get out of here, I cannot talk to this man, I am not ready for this. But I did. And when he left that class he said, I am so sorry about your sister, but I am so glad you talked to me. I really had no idea about any of those things. Thank you.
That's what I want.
As much as it hurts, as hard as it can be-- I want to talk to all these people. I want them to know. I could care less if we make any money off of them-- but I want each of you to wear it, and to talk to people. Create awareness. Make them understand.
Thank you for wearing your shirts. Thank you for making a statement. Thank you for fostering knowledge where there once was so much ignorance. I know it's hard. But please know that I am so grateful.
xoxox,
g
posted by gabbyfek at 7:58 PM
7 Comments:
Oh Gabby...I can't wait to wear mine this weekend...And I'll tell everyone who has an ear to listen about Alex.
XOXO
oh gabby, I had no idea.
I was just showing the blog to jon, since I just made him pick out a shirt... of course, I got one for connor and myself, too.
Jon says if you schedule a poker run he will bring his motorcycle to you and ride in it. nice guy, huh?
Can't wait to take a pic of the three of us... just for you guys.
Love you and your sisser.
xoxoxox
M
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sending My love G-
I am so proud of you, I know its hard but each day more people become aware! I can't wait to wear my shirt!
Love,
Anne
I got my shirt in the mail this weekend and can't wait to wear it with pride! I'm actually looking forward to people asking me questions about it...
Hi.
I don't really know what to say to this, I never do it's a touchy subject. I knew Alex in high school, we ran track together. Although our relationship wasn't as deep as could have been Alex and I shared a common bond, eating disorders. I knew it, for I have been living in this hell an eating disorder can bring since my early years, I just didn't know how to reach out...I didn't know the right words to say. The habits are easy to recognize when they are all that you have known. Im sure she picked up on me, there was more to recognize other than the fact I weighed a mere 80lbs....
I regret not reaching out. I was deeply saddened upon the news of her death...to a struggle I know all to well. How I wish then would've talked to her, and showed her admist all this tragedy and obsessiveness she wasn't alone... We were only Freshmen then.
I am still struggling each and everyday, the news of Alex's death motivated me to get help....Again, the help I so desperately need. I will buy a t-shirt and wear it proudly, she is my inspiration, she is the angel I only wish I knew more of.
I will wear the shirt as a message, self-destruction is not beauty, I will wear the shirt to rebel to against the media and the horrible message that it sends "thin is in." But mostly I will wear it to educate others about the struggle I fight each and everyday and that of my former teammate, Alexandra Devinny. Awareness needs to made, there is no glamour in an eating disorder, only destruction. Awareness is the key.
Thank you and love always,
the girl who is not ready to publicly identify herself.
Hi, I found your site after reading about Alex in the NY Times. I just wanted to say, I am so, so sorry for your loss, I hope your efforts help someone else.
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