Every now and then I get a wake up call. "Oh Karen, stop focusing on trivial things that aren't worth worrying about or giving another thought to." I find things to lose sleep over that I hardly even remember thinking about a week later.
Eighteen years ago I lost my best friend and running partner, Jean, to breast cancer. It was the first time I'd lost someone very dear to me. I can remember much of that time so clearly. We ran 5 days a week together. We knew each other's families, worries and joys. She called me when she found the lump. I'll never forget that day or some of the things she shared with me about her feelings about dying. Even though I no longer run I still cherish that little gold runner necklace her family gave me when she died. I wish I could talk to her again.
Tomorrow another dear friend, Ruth, is having a very serious surgery. I can't get her off my mind. I feel confident she's going to beat the beast. I really do. She's probably one of the toughest women I know and I'm not just saying that because she's ill. She truly is tough, in a good way. Ruth was my neighbor when we lived in NC. Sometimes she pisses me off because of our differences of opinions and I'm sure I do the same to her. You know how neighbors can be. Ruth had Chem-Lawn do her yard. She thought we had too many weeds and dandelions. I love dogs, she doesn't (though I think she's coming around to my side). Politically, we don't agree. Most of the time though we have good laughs and share our ideas and love of fixing, building, remodeling, painting, etc. When we're together we drink coffee or wine and bitch about whatever and crack ourselves up about who knows what. We know each other - like good friends know each other. Do you know what I mean?
Times like this when I'm worrying about something that truly is important, it helps me to look at the big picture. Who cares if I'm 10 lbs heavier than I'd like to be? Yard work will get done eventually - or it won't. If I have a disagreement with someone it will pass. Tonight I'm feeling thankful to have my health, my family and my friends.
Ruth, I know you won't read this, at least for a while, but I want to say thank you for our talk yesterday and for helping me put things in perspective. You're important to me and I know you know I love you.
Eighteen years ago I lost my best friend and running partner, Jean, to breast cancer. It was the first time I'd lost someone very dear to me. I can remember much of that time so clearly. We ran 5 days a week together. We knew each other's families, worries and joys. She called me when she found the lump. I'll never forget that day or some of the things she shared with me about her feelings about dying. Even though I no longer run I still cherish that little gold runner necklace her family gave me when she died. I wish I could talk to her again.
Tomorrow another dear friend, Ruth, is having a very serious surgery. I can't get her off my mind. I feel confident she's going to beat the beast. I really do. She's probably one of the toughest women I know and I'm not just saying that because she's ill. She truly is tough, in a good way. Ruth was my neighbor when we lived in NC. Sometimes she pisses me off because of our differences of opinions and I'm sure I do the same to her. You know how neighbors can be. Ruth had Chem-Lawn do her yard. She thought we had too many weeds and dandelions. I love dogs, she doesn't (though I think she's coming around to my side). Politically, we don't agree. Most of the time though we have good laughs and share our ideas and love of fixing, building, remodeling, painting, etc. When we're together we drink coffee or wine and bitch about whatever and crack ourselves up about who knows what. We know each other - like good friends know each other. Do you know what I mean?
Times like this when I'm worrying about something that truly is important, it helps me to look at the big picture. Who cares if I'm 10 lbs heavier than I'd like to be? Yard work will get done eventually - or it won't. If I have a disagreement with someone it will pass. Tonight I'm feeling thankful to have my health, my family and my friends.
Ruth, I know you won't read this, at least for a while, but I want to say thank you for our talk yesterday and for helping me put things in perspective. You're important to me and I know you know I love you.
Wonderful Karen. I lost my best friend to breast cancer 13 years ago. Yes, it is a reminder about what matters and what really doesn't. I am sending good juju to you and your friend.
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