Just a Glimpse of How My Friends Show What It Takes to Be Exceptional Friends

Today’s Autumn Blog Challenge Prompt – Perfect! Sept 26-How to be a good friend

I saw this prompt and a quiet smile crossed my face.

This week has been so abundant in good friends. Love personified crossed my path over and over and over again and now, I have a heart shaped scar to prove it. One of my friends saw my scar last night and said, “Who else would get a scar shaped like a heart but you? It is absolutely perfect!”

I was diagnosed with melanoma two weeks ago.

Last week, it was carefully removed from my face in the very able hands of a surgeon.

With my friends I formed “Team Nora” (the name I gave my melanoma) with each member of the team contributing to both my care but also the care and feeding of my children.

Here is a list of some of the ways they were not only good friends, but exactly what I needed… in no particular order.

1. They did my MomSchlep for me. They swooped in to pick up both Emma and Samuel and sometimes provided them after school love-and-care both during my surgery but also after my surgery when I was recovering.  Without complaint. This is my least favorite Mom duty and I was so grateful to be able to let it go.
2. They fed me. Late on Thursday night, I was cooked a feast of scrambled eggs and brussel sprouts. It was the most delectable meal I had eaten in the past decade. Well, at least in that moment. The primary ingredient? Love. I had homemade soup and challah bread delivered to me. Food Love says so much to an aching body.
3. They read me poetry because it was what I wanted.
4. They sat with me, quietly, while I slept.
5. They read my aftercare instructions and nagged me to stick with them.
6. They helped me with wound care.
7. They thought of me before anything or anyone else.
8. They took me on rides and understood when just driving around town wore me out, much more than I ever imagined.
9. Instead of saying “Let me know what I can do for you,” they offered suggestions. When I am sick or having a hard time, half the time I have no idea what I want.
10. They sat and waited while I had surgery and talked to the doctor on my behalf. Can you imagine? PLUS they attended and will attend follow up appointments so that I don’t miss anything. Sometimes when you are the patient it is hard to “get” everything. I am usually the advocate. It is beyond words wonderful to have people stand by me in advocacy.
11. Distant friends prayed. And added me to prayer lists. They sent good vibes, healing energy and one friend did distance Reiki for me and even though I don’t exactly know what that means, I am grateful to the generous outpouring.
12. Love overflowed. Bountifully. And continues to flow. I am blessed by people who are being SUCH good friends! 

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