The C Word – Day 40 The Power of Friendship

It is during the worst of times that we realize how important friends are – how special they can be.  For true friends are those who will step in for moments, hours or days when you are in need.

We have some very special friends I want to call out.  Please don’t feel remiss if I don’t mention you here, I don’t have enough time or space for everyone.

Keith – best friend for so many years.  He has made it a point to stop whatever he is doing if George calls and needs a buddy to sit with him.  He will answer the call and just talk on the phone if that is what is needed. 

Dinah and “mom” – Our prayer warriors for sure.  With so much going on in their lives they still managed to come by for a promised visit with us.

For my college roommates who made the extra effort to still include me in a special “face time” chat when they all got together recently.  That was probably one of the best gifts ever. 

Cathy and John – special friends who have sent messages, notes and even taken us out for dinner. 

Neighbors Sayil, Ken (and Gaia), Cathy, Steve, Pam, Bill – Always making a point to check in on us when we see them outside.  Gaia is a fun little diversion for us when she comes for a visit. 

Steve D – George’s best buddy for ages, has been through his own cancer treatments and offers positive encouragement

Tom – George’s co-worker, prayer warrior, has become an anchor for George through all of this.

My co-workers who have all been so supportive and kind to both of us, allowing me to be flexible with my work schedule in order to get to doctor appointments just be with George when he needs it the most.

Cathy and Kellee – special gal pals who just came by tonight so we could work on a ministry project for the homeless, provided us both with prayer shawls – and prayers and support – and provided a nice diversion for me

So many others who have offered kind words, sent cards, called on the phone – please know how grateful we are for all of those.  If it is in our power, we will pay it forward when we get through all of this. 

It takes a village to deal with this “C” word.  It is the power of, not only our families, but our friends who are all pulling together to ensure that we have the emotional support, the physical support and the spiritual support we need to get through each minute, each hour, each day as we ride this roller coaster on our journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for cancer.

A thousand thank you’s will never be enough so if it is in our power, we will pay it forward by being there for others when we get through all of this.   

May God Bless each and every one of you.