Jo has cancer....and today a
devastating blow occurred as her recent PET scan revealed more tumors,
higher numbers, and DECISIONS! Processing this reality is daunting and
requires much thoughtfulness and prayer......and a little drive in the
monsoon rains to a quaint little cafe for lunch and BEER, with a slice
of retail therapy for dessert!!! Today's events are somewhat
surreal.....and a little like an excerpt or scene from the movie, "Steel Magnolias",
each of us discovering which character we might represent, and more
importantly, knowing that our bond of friendship, necessary. While the
seriousness of her decisions are not taken lightly, there is truth in
"finding the humor" in all circumstances. We laughed, cried, joked and
discussed completely inappropriate things.....all sprinkled with the
undertones of
cancer, life and of course, sex!
In
my own life, the obvious blessings have come from the friendships
forged along the journey! As women, we must share our stories, our
experiences, reaching beyond our own circumstances to encourage others.
It is in this act, we start to heal and love ourselves. Life was never
designed to be easy, and yet we all expect a certain amount of comfort.
It is not until we are older that we understand that bad things happen
in life not because we are deserving, but because we are alive! We do
not ever plan to be divorced, sick, poor, unhappy or depressed, but God
does provide us the tools needed to weather these storms. Many times it
takes being knocked to our knees to look up and understand the tools
have ALWAYS been there,
and God's love unyielding.
I
am sad that my friend is dying, but I am blessed beyond measure that
she LIVES!!! I am thankful for her journey and fortunate to share in
her story. Her strength and courage in this fight lends comfort to
others faced with this disease....and her focus on others, her healing.
Day
by day, oh
dear Lord three things I pray, to see thee more clearly, love thee more
dearly....follow thee more nearly...day by day by day by day!!!!
