This is not my story to tell, so I want to respect privacy. I will tell what I feel is appropriate. This week, one of my friend Irene's 2 year olds was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and had surgery to remove the tumor. The rest of the treatment plan is still TBD.
The last two days have been a whirlwind of emails and phone calls. I went to Charlotte yesterday to see them and my friends cared for the boys with Jon in Europe. On the drive home last night, I pondered how it is that all my friends seem to "know" Irene. Then I realized:
- we went to college in LA together
- she lived at my place for a short time in San Francisco while she was looking for work there
- we were both on assignment in Atlanta for almost a year at the same time
- her now-husband worked in Chicago for awhile when I lived there
- we now live two hours apart
- I might be an oversharer about my life on my blog. Might.
For my entire adult life, Irene has been one of my constants, but unlike my other constants, she has also been geographically close. As a result, all of the people from various parts of the country and different time periods in my life have heard of and/or met her. And for 20 years, everyone has heard ad naseum how awesome she is, how she is an inspiration, how she is a super woman.
I share this here for three reasons:
- I have already talked with and/or emailed most of the people reading here, because if you weren't already friends or family, you have developed into friends.
- I can't NOT mention it. It invades my thoughts 24 hours a day.
- This week, have patience with your kids. Hug a friend. Tell someone you love them. Live your life the way you want to live it.
14 comments:
Unfortunately, due to a family member having/had a brain tumor - this is very near to my heart. Prayers go out to this family and their sweet two year old.
Will be following your advice, Laura. Irene has been in my thoughts for days now. I can't stop thinking about it.
I agree - Irene, her kids, her husband, you - it's on my mind all the time. I am filled with hope and positive energy that I send to everyone of you.
I'm so glad Irene is not alone. If I ever have to go through anything as terrible as what she is facing, I know that having you by my side would bring me strength and make just a tiny bit more bearable. I'm with you on this marathon, every step of the way.
Thank you for your words of wisdom & perspective Laura. I am thinking of Irene and her little boy often.
Thinking of Irene and her little boy. You are a good friend and she will need you through this process!
I'm terribly sorry to hear about Irene's son. I wondered if something was wrong, and this is about the worst it could be. Will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. And if Irene is okay with it, please let us know how things are when you have a moment. I am so sorry.
Sending thoughts of peace and healing for Irene, her little boy, and her whole family. And for you and your family as well.
Completely frightening! ((hugs)) to your friend and her family.
So sorry to hear about this terrible situation.
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Please look into this story; just one minute.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Irene and her family at this difficult time. She is blessed to have such a good friend in you.
oh wow. hugs and good thoughts to her family.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your friend. I look at my 2 year old son and can't imagine facing that situation with him. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers - glad she has such a good friend by her side.
So awful. Thank you for mentioning it as it's clearly something weighing on you (how could it not?). Poor them. It sounds like they have a lot of strength, and your support will only add to that.
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