I woke up this morning, came downstairs, fed the cats and casually picked up my cell phone. I had one text message.
I clicked the icon and it was from a childhood friend (Sandra) that asked if I saw the Facebook post of another childhood friend (Tammi).
You have to understand Tammi. She is the type of person that literally knows someone wherever she goes. She is the definition of the phrase "social butterfly". She is outgoing and fun-loving and has the BEST set of dimples you will ever find.
She is an accomplished author and journalist (with a published book and everything) who has worked for 2 of the biggest newspapers in the country.
She was my first true friend. She moved here from Tehran, Iran in 1980. Her father was in the Air Force and stationed there. When all of the civil wars broke out, they came back to the States. She was in my 3rd grade class and we've been friends ever since.
So, I went to Facebook, curious to see what Tammi was up to now.
I had been seeing rather cryptic posts from her over the last 2 weeks but didn't think much of it. She asked for recommendations for good waterproof mascara and another post just said, "I'm radioactive".
She's always travelling and visiting weird places so I figured she was doing something adventurous.
And then I found her post. A link to a site called Caring Bridge. Unfortunately, I knew the site.
My heart stopped a beat. Who is sick?
My dearest friend was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer on March 1st. She starts chemo this week and had a port implanted this morning for the treatments.
I haven't spoken with her in person yet because I know she's receiving more calls and emails than she can respond to. I sent her an email and told her to call me when she's ready. She isn't the type of person to dwell on things or ask for pity. She doesn't want sadness around her. I figured it was probably best to NOT call her just yet because I don't know if I can keep myself together.
I literally feel like I've been hit by a bus. And, then it backed up and hit me again.
Typical as you grow up and have families of your own, we aren't as close as we were growing up but she's still someone very special to me. Aside from my family, she's been in my life longer than anyone else.
We were inseperable growing up. We had sleepovers every weekend. I was a part of their family and she was part of mine. We sat down and made a list one time of everything we had in common and it was amazing. I still remember some of them:
Both of our middle names are Marie
We were both born on the 9th of the month
We were both born in Alaska
Our mom's are both named Carol
Our Dads were both in the Air Force
We even looked alike when we were little. I went to prom at her high school because I hung out with them more than my own high school.
I know she will need support and strength and friendship over the next year. I will be there.
P.S. - if you haven't had a mammogram recently, get off your ass and schedule it! I am!
4 comments:
yuck. i hate this. i have lots of ideas on how you can be a supportive friend. as someone who has gone through a devastating diagnosis and treatment, i can tell you what was appreciated and what overwhelmed me. :) feel free to email. i don't want to post a crazy comment here if you don't want/need it!! :)
Im so sorry. For you and for your friend. We went through something similar. Toms childhood friend was diagnosed with a brain tumor..fought hard for 2+ years, went into remission once..and passed away Dec 1, 2011. It was ROUGH for Tom. Really, really hard. I know youre counting your blessings and Im sure your friend appreciates you being there when she needs you. Hoping for the best!!
I'm so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your friend.
Aw, geez, hugs and prayers to you and for your sweet friend. So young to have to deal with all of that. I'm sure it gives her comfort knowing she has close friends who will be there in a second to help with anything.
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