Last week, I dug out this picture of my best friend and me. It’s one of my favorites. Those were happy, carefree times. I think this was taken ca. 2001. Obviously, we were dressed up for carnival, ready to hit the parties in town.
My best friend and I, we’ve known each other since elementary school. That is a freaking long time, guys, and sometimes I can’t believe we’ve known each other for three decades (what?!).
We weren’t always bestest, closest friends. You know how it is, how friendships work when you’re kids. One day, you’re besties, the next day, you don’t want anything to do with each other. Friendship is a strange (somewhat ungraspable) thing when you’re little and you really only come to appreciate it for what it really is much, much later, but she always was in my close circle and I think we’ve really become best friends in 7th grade (give or take a year).
I am so thankful for having her in my life, someone who has been by my side since childhood. We’ve been through stuff together. Crushes, heartaches, triumphs and let downs. We’ve been on school trips to Prague and Austria, at a summer camp in Italy, and after we graduated high school, we took a roadtrip to Venice, Italy together. We were 19 and I think our parents went crazy with worry if we would make the 11-hour drive. It was a fantastic adventure and unforgettable time (and yes, we made it).
Since then, we’ve spent a huge chunk of our friendship on opposite sides of the world with a big ocean between us, but that has never changed the way we felt about each other. She knows she can call me any time of the day (and night) and I know I can do the same. I am thankful to have a friend who has been through all parts of life with me so far and who I know is always someone I can turn to.
Tomorrow, my sweet friend faces serious surgery to fight her (second) bout with brain cancer. I wrote about her initial diagnosis here and how her life was put on hold at 32, when most of her peers were making big life decisions (marriage, house, kids). I wasn’t kidding when I said in my post last week “however much you think you have a plan for how your life will pan out, you won’t be able to count on it. There are always going to be unexpected obstacles and events (at least for most of us) that will stir us of our chosen path, delay progress and/or force us to think our whole life plan over.”
The hell, I definitely wasn’t kidding. I’ve seen it too many times.
Things had been going great for her though. Quarterly check-ups had been negative for five years, she moved forward with her life, started working again, fell in love, got engaged, moved to a new city and was finally at a point where she had dared to breathe a little easier again. Then at the beginning of the year the news: the tumor is back.
You guys, I am so angry, and I feel a little so helpless for being so far away, even though I wouldn’t be able to really do much for her if I was closer. But at least I would be able to hug her and be with her. I know she knows that I am here for her, but I am not physically there, and that sucks big time.
She’s the last person who deserves to go through so much pain and heartache, let alone go through it twice, and yet she’s handling it with so much grace. Much more grace than I think I’d be able to muster facing such a tough situation.
We talked about attitude a couple of weeks ago and how being positive and optimistic can change everything, how consciously changing your thinking patterns can influence the way you approach and perceive life. She and I, we have the same outlook on life. We always, always see the glass half full and I’m absolutely positively convinced that she will beat this.
There are so many more adventures waiting for her, for us!, and when we’re old and grey, I wanna sit in a rocking chair, drink tea and reminisce with her about the good ol’ times.
If you could spare any good thoughts and healing vibes today for my dearest, oldest friend, I’d be forever indebted to you. Meanwhile, don’t mind me going a little stir-crazy over here.
Akirah
February 19, 2015 at 7:18 amI’m a prayer-er. I will pray. You are a good friend. Hang in there.
Tanja
February 19, 2015 at 7:58 amWTF – that’s just not right. I am sorry that your friend has to go through something like that, AGAIN – so not right.
I am sending all the positive vibes I can come up with. Unfortunately I have been in your shoes before, feeling helpless being so far away. Stay strong, for your friend and for yourself.
All the best! xoxo
Marie
February 19, 2015 at 8:17 amUgh, I’m so sorry San. No one should ever have to go through this. Cancer is absolutely terrible. I really hope she fights it the second time around. My aunt fought cancer twice – once breast and the second time uterine (decades apart). It’s totally possible, but as we all know, cancer can be very unique to each individual. Hoping and thinking healthy thoughts for your friend.
Heather
February 19, 2015 at 8:44 am((( <3 )))
Sending out all the hugs, love, and good vibes from my best batch on the top shelf. Please let me know if you need anything (or your friend)….
suki
February 19, 2015 at 8:54 amso sorry, San! f*ck cancer indeed. sending hugs and love and healthy thoughts her way.
Fee ist mein Name
February 19, 2015 at 9:53 amI’m so sorry for both of you. Cancer really sucks, but I’m a firm believer in the “thinking optimistic helps recovering and/or dealing best with your situation”-theory. I’m sending positive thoughts your way and especially to your friend <3
Tina
February 19, 2015 at 12:51 pmI actually have tomorrow’s date in my calendar so I can pray and keep her in my thoughts. <3 I really hope your next post about her is good news!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
February 19, 2015 at 3:24 pmSorry to read this. Lots of positive thoughts and a prayer coming your way…
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
February 19, 2015 at 4:07 pmOh I am so sorry to hear that your friend is battling cancer again. That is so heart breaking and I can see how you feel so helpless being so far away. :( I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers!
Stephany
February 19, 2015 at 4:20 pmI am so sorry to hear about your friend, San. What a horrible thing for her to have to go through for a second time. I’ll be sending prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery. <3
Eva
February 20, 2015 at 9:17 amI’m so sorry to read this, and I can imagine that being an ocean away makes it so much worse for you. Cancer sucks!!!!! Sending lots of good thoughts and wishes for you and your best friend.
Irene
February 20, 2015 at 12:09 pmSan, I am so so sorry to hear that, I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything will go well and she will recover fast.
Cancer sucks, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 2010 and as a result had to have a few surgeries, including one to remove my uterus. I am so glad it all worked out and I am healthy again. I am keeping your friends in my thoughts and hope it will turn out good and she will never have to face it again.
Sending hugs and positive vibes!
Chrissy
February 21, 2015 at 8:43 amI really hope things went well! Sending all the well wishes there are, good vibes and tons of hugs hoping she will make it through this once again! Hugs xxx
Holly
February 21, 2015 at 7:29 pmI’m sending hugs, good thoughts, and prayers your way. I hate cancer!!!
Gina
February 22, 2015 at 12:47 pmI’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s cancer coming back. I’ve had to watch too many of my loved ones battle cancer and it’s so heartbreaking. I’m sending her lots of love and good thoughts while she recovers!
Cait
February 22, 2015 at 5:52 pmI’m so sorry to hear this, it’s really tough watching good people go through undeserved suffering. Thinking of you & your friend. <3