I had been planning all week to write a post today about a great product I tried out, but my mind isn’t in it. Yesterday, I found out some devastating news. One of our friends, who happens to be my age, is battling brain cancer. In a matter of 24 hours, he went from thinking he just wasn’t feeling well to being rushed off to emergency surgery and getting the shocking diagnosis.
After finding this out, Doug and I drove to a quiet place to talk and reflect on it all. We cried for the unimaginable fear and uncertainty my friend and his wife and young daughter are facing right now. We reflected on how strong our friends are and how much we love and care about them. Doug and I talked about our own love and life together, knowing full well that what is happening to our friends can happen to anyone. There are simply no guarantees. I spent last night in a strange swirl of vivid dreams featuring my friend and his family, doctors, and my own family. I woke up knowing that my mind is going to be struggling with all of this for a long, long time. I am sad, angry at the unfairness of life and hopeful that my friend will recover.
It is strange how life seems to “package” experiences sometimes. I have been thinking so much about uncertainty lately due to my own health issues (which now seem like a minor inconvenience compared to what my friend is going through). I have been thinking about how necessary it is to live in the moment and take things day by day. Last week, my employer brought in an amazing speaker at one of our annual staff meetings. He talked about leading an authentic life and the things that make us happy. I had been reflecting a lot on the message of that talk since hearing it—trying to figure out how his words fit into my own experiences and what they meant to me. It just became more clear. One of his key points was how important relationships and people are in our lives. More and more I am coming to the realization, that for me at least, life isn’t about getting off to exotic locales, or climbing this peak, or hiking that trail. Sure those things are fun, but when it comes down to it, the things that give me the most joy in life are spending time with those I love and helping other people in the ways I am able. I feel that I am in the beginning stages of shifting my life to better reflect these priorities.
So give those you love a big hug today. Call that friend. Write that letter. Help out another person. And if you are willing, please say a prayer for my friend and his family.
Ostomy Outdoors 
Thank you for sharing this post. Sometimes we need a reminder of what is most important. Prayers for your friend and family going up tonight.
Very true words. The most important things in life are, well, not things. Agreed we must make that priority. And special prayers going up for your friend tonight.
……..will do
I have lost four friends due to different cancers. I try every day to reach out to someone after that. I found out about these friends through a high school reunion I went to. I was so very sad and then to top it off I had a friend at the reunion who was in chemo and he was still happy and smiling. Enjoy your life while you can. It is so very short!!!
Will light a candle at church tonight…
My friends feel your prayers. Thank you!
The blessing in disguise here is that you’ve seen life beyond all the adventures. Don’t get me wrong, your adventures have inspired me and cherishing God’s scenery is a good thing! I got my shock 2 1/2 yrs ago when on a well visit to the gynoc, he found something suspicious. I felt FINE but since then have had 4 major abdominal surgeries, lost all female parts, my spleen, gall bladder, colon, and 1/2 my small bowel due to appendix cancer WITHOUT any symptoms! Life can indeed change in a minute. I will pray for your friends too. Please know that you are doing so much for those of us that have been active and want to return to it. I never thought I would have an ileostomy and I certainly never thought I’d play soccer again after an ileostomy…but I did. You inspired me to find a way. Prayers for your friends and their famililes. Cancer does suck.
Nancy,
You are right that these experiences have helped me see things in my life differently and to understand what is most important. Sorry to hear you have been through such incredibly difficult times. It means so much to me to know that my site has helped you. Hearing of your strength and what you have persevered through helps me as well. Thank you for sharing. -Heidi
Another reminder of how precious every moment is…Positive energy being sent out to your friend and his family
Thank you Paul. He is fighting the cancer with everything he has and is staying hopeful. Your positive thoughts are much appreciated. -Heidi