FRIENDS

As I was on the table today, receiving my 9th out of 28 treatments, my mind wandered to my FRIENDS!  I am so GRATEFUL for such an eclectic group of FRIENDS!  My husband has been out of town this week with my son Kasey doing business at Penn State.  I have definitely missed him and his loving, tender support.  I look forward to his return.  In the meantime I am comforted by my three little furry FRIENDS!   Left to right - Sassy a Pom/Yorkie mix, Sophie a perfectly beautiful Chihauhau and Daisy - My friend of almost 12 years - the Chubby Chihuahua!  I love these girls - yes - they are ALL girls and  have been such TRUE companions.  They follow me around and sense my struggling days.  I am actually very GRATEFUL for their presence in my home and this is from a NON-DOG person!  Who said time doesn't change a girl?  Because Daisy is privileged, she actually sleeps on the bed with us - much to Bubba's CHAGRIN!

On my way home today on State Street in Orem I once again saw Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam - out in costume waving their signs to entice people to go to Liberty Tax to have their taxes done.  Each Jan/Feb time frame Liberty Tax hires people to stand on the street and wave signs advertising their Tax Firm.  Five years ago my friend Cathy and I decided that we wanted to be Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam.  I would be Uncle Sam because I was the tallest.  She was going to dress as Lady Liberty.  We applied for the job and wanted to film and document the whole thing, hoping to be on the Oprah show - showcasing our 45-year friendship.  We were hired for the job and were due to start with a pay of $7.00 an hour.  We worked out a song and dance routine, synchronizing our steps as we would stand across the street from each other - AND - we didn't care if people knew who we were!  It was to be an adventure we had talked about for years!  When I told my husband of our soon-to-be NEW JOB - he immediately shot us down, saying we were taking jobs away from people who really needed them.  When you look at it THAT WAY - we reluctantly passed on that job.  Now at 50 years of FRIENDSHIP - we are more than ever determined to TRY for that job again - One of these years!  We were VERY YOUNG when we met and though we have definitely had our ups and downs, she is a DEAR FRIEND, along with her sisters Julie and Sharon ( MUCH MUCH YOUNGER) who I truly love and cherish and I am GRATEFUL.

Last night my friend Susan, who happens to be my Visiting Teacher, text me to find out how I was doing.  She has offered her services in my behalf - to drive me - to bring me dinner - ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.  I am THANKFUL for her.  When one goes through chemotherapy and radiation, the immune system is deeply compromised.  I have been really healthy and felt like I would be okay through this whole thing.  I mentioned I had started with a sore throat on Tuesday and at the end of the night last night it was REALLY sore.  She offered to bring me soup or get me anything I needed.  As I am fiercely independent, I told her I was fine - except for the sore throat.  Well this is the Deal  I need to tell you about - It was not more than FIVE MINUTES and my sore throat was gone.  I was acutely aware that it was gone because it had been such a source of PAIN!  I know that not only Susan prays for me, but that MANY MANY of my FRIENDS around the world are praying for me.  I am so incredibly GRATEFUL for TENDER MERCIES in my behalf.  I am so GRATEFUL for FRIENDS who pray for me on a daily basis.  Thank you so much!

I have FRIENDS I have known for almost 50 years.  I love them dearly and they know who they are! We went through Jr. High and High School together.  We have remained great FRIENDS and I KNOW I can count on them for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING  - ANY TIME!  When I was diagnosed with cancer I sent texts to them outlining what had happened to me.  Their responses were immediate and EACH ONE offered their Love and Concern!  I have received Flowers, Dinner and such great SUPPORT from these  amazing FRIENDS.   I express GRATITUDE every day for my FRIENDS!

My CHILDREN are my FRIENDS!  I love them SO MUCH!  EACH ONE OF THEM is someone I would CHOOSE as my FRIEND - Even if they were not a part of me!

I have OLD FRIENDS and NEW FRIENDS!  I LOVE my FRIENDS! 

What is a FRIEND?  Knowing there is another human being you can trust completely and realizing that someone else wants the BEST for you, too!  Sharing the good times - and the bad and NOT having to pretend!  I am so GRATEFUL for great FRIENDS!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  "Those who bring SUNSHINE to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves".  That is a quality of a GREAT FRIEND! 

Please continue to Pray for me and my FAMILY.  I FEEL IT!  It WORKS and I am THANKFUL for ALL of my FRIENDS.  I am HANGING IN THERE and feel strengthened by the Love and Support I continue to receive!  Love and HUGS to all!!!