My friend was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer recently. She had surgery and now they are evaluating her condition to see if she needs chemo or radiation.
I was in the women’s sauna at the YMCA feeling sorry for myself. All the ladies had great lean bodies. I do not. But I’m working on it. A lady came in and I thought ‘Finally someone that’s a bit plumper like me.’ Then I noticed she had one breast. She didn’t try to hide her scar with a towel and met my gaze with beautiful hazel eyes. I was glad I was in the sauna and no one could tell if it was tears or sweat rolling down my face.
I thought about another friend who is going through a tough time with a family member and another whose love life didn’t work out the way she thought it would. And I cried/sweated some more. I don’t know who I was crying for: the woman in the gym? She didn’t need my tears? My friend with breast cancer? Nah. She’ll kick cancer’s ass. My friend whose love life didn’t turn out the way she thought it would? I don’t thinks so. She’s wickedly tough. Or were the tears for my friend whose loved one is having a rough time? Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t know anymore.
She will kick cancer’s ass. But all of the above items are scary. You are a good friend to have such empathy for your friends’ struggles, even if you have complete faith that they will rise above.
Your sharing really touched me today, Aleta. Thanks for being willing to be vulnerable!