I was an observer on the sidelines as a close friend supported her husband in his battle with cancer and eventually, as he lost his battle. Her strength was inspiring, her resilience unending and the sacrifices she made along the way, were admirable, to say the least.
As I approached her at the funeral, I saw such pain and anguish in her eyes that it took my breath away and all I could do was put my arms around her and hug her tightly. I was at a complete loss for words; what do you say to someone who has just spent the last year and a half of her life, watching her soul-mate lose his. As the tears ran down our faces, I love you was all either of us could say, but it was enough, for the moment.
Another close friend is also by her husband’s side as he is facing his battle with cancer. Her positive attitude and sense of humor have not faltered even slightly. She continues each day with the determination of a woman hell-bent on kicking cancer’s ass, but at the same time understanding her reality.
These two women have helped me realize that I need to show up each day with gratitude and a realization that it’s who you have in your life that matters, not what. That life is too short and that I need to use the dreams and passion in my heart to make a difference wherever I can.