I hope you will all forgive me if I’m a bit melancholy for a moment, but there’s something that I want to share.
My sister Sandi has been going through a difficult time recently. For the last couple of years she has supported her best friend, Helen, through a very brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Helen’s long struggle ended earlier this week, and her wake was held this evening.
Sandi and Helen were so much more than friends…they were family. Truth be told, it was their individual craziness made them fit together so perfectly—their behavior amused (and sometimes alarmed) the rest of us. When Sandi called earlier today to tell me that she was going to the funeral home to fix Helen’s hair and makeup, I was concerned. Really, that just ain’t normal—but Helen would have wanted that and Sandi took care of her…like I said, they’re a couple of crazies.
I think maybe that’s what real friendship is though…the place where you check inhibitions at the door and carry life’s heavy baggage right on through.
So here’s a toast to my amazing sister, her big heart and generosity of spirit—and to good friends that become family…and family that become good friends.
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5 comments:
Amen Jodi. That was so well put. I think we sometimes forget just how much our family become our friends and vice versa.
Sandi, my prayers are with you and the loss of your best friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cuz.
Sandi, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. You are so amazing to take care of her to the very end. The pain of losing my dad is still so fresh, my heart just aches for you because I know how hard it is to let go of the ones we love. To say she is in a better place does help a little so I will say that to you. My prayers are with you.
Jodi, that is so true. I know Sandi is trying to take care of everything and also supporting Helen's friends and family but I am afraid she will break down when the arrangements are over. Sandi you know we are all here for you.
Evonna, the thing that helped me when thinking of my dad was not thinking about him being gone but remembering the good times. It is amazing how easy it is to smile when thinking of a good person.We were both lucky enough to have good fathers and their memory should always bring happiness.
I am just back on the blog after ...well, awhile. When I came to this post I just had to pause. First of all, Jodi is so right, my best friend would have done the same for me, and probably even more. The one thing I've learned from all this is that when you love someone, you will do and can do anything that needs to be done.
My family gives me waaay too much credit tho, and it humbles me. What really makes me happy is to know my family is here to support me and love me. I can't take credit for that....we have a special family, and we can all pull strength from that. Special people come from special families, so thank you for being so special! We may all have some crazy quirks....but this blog site alone shouts "LOVE". I haven't seen most of you for years...much less get a hug but I feel it in my heart now. I love all of you, and find joy from the shortest of "posts". The older I get, the more important the meaning of "family" becomes. I am just so proud to call you all my family. (and I don't even care if this is mushy!). We all have hard times, is good to know we now have a place to go for a little comfort.
Now, with all that said, by the time I see you all in July...don't expect the "mush"--just the hugs. You'll just have to know those hugs will be full of love, after that, I'm gonna make fun of yaw every chance I get! To everyone working on the arrangements, thank you so much! For the others, PLEEEZE be here to share time with the best family on earth!!!
Love you all,
Sandi
p.s. Debbey...don't worry about the break down, I don't have time for it! But if and when I do, I'll be calling you and our little seester Jodi. And to you Jodi, I just want to say thank you for remembering Helen and describing her so well! She would laugh to read you thought both of us being crazy made us friends!
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