No, I 'm not going to follow with the old cliche..."is a friend indeed". I truly have a friend who is in need. This is probably one of the hardest posts I could write. Several weeks ago, a dear friend called to tell me that she has cancer. I was stunned, as if someone had punched me in the gut with no warning. Tears welled up in me, as I wondered what was going through her head and knowing that the road ahead will not be an easy one. I sense her fear and her uncertainty and my heart and soul hurt for her. She teaches me empathy, as I can only barely guess at what she is feeling right now. So many friends I have that have walked the walk of this disease, continue to fight this fight. I hate this for all of my friends who have and are going through this.
The practical side of me does the research and although some of the numbers are grim for this type of cancer, I find testimonials from people who have had the same and are surviving and strong and leading healthy lives - and, I know that my friend is also strong and will be one of those survivors. We have to believe...and fight.
She is teaching me that I need to get more in touch with my spirituality, and my higher power. I am so thankful for you, my friend.
I have a wonderful friend. My first memory of her was back in 1991 (I think - I suck at dates). I bought a home and she was the home owner. I bought this little country church that she and her family had renovated and raised 4 children there. My first memory of her was that she was standing in the doorway, as I was painting a bedroom in my new little house, and she was sobbing. I was ecstatic at owning this little piece of heaven and she was mourning the loss of her family's little piece of heaven. I remember feeling so guilty, in spite of my joy.
There was a connection at that point - I can't explain it. We were so different. She had a huge family, at least by my standards. She had (and still has) a husband and 4 children, and now, a handful of grandchildren; I, an only child, just out of a failed marriage, and trying to find a place to heal and find myself. I spent 13+ years in that house and still have my wonderful friend.
Over the last 20+ years, she has taught me so much. She is one of the most generous and giving people I know. She is not wealthy; she doesn't have a big bank account. Her generosity comes from within. It's about the time she spends with friends who are sick, or people who need her kindness, or her willingness to do for others. She has patience and kindness that is rare in a society that is so "me" oriented and fast-paced.
She teaches me to be more patient and more giving. It seems that whatever her burdens, she always has time to give to others. She has taught me to ask, "is there something I can do for you?"
Thank you, my friend.
