There is a girl that I have been friends with since I was a one year old child. Our families are really close and refer to each other as Uncle..., Aunt... and Cousin..., even though we aren't blood related.
I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for this girl and can't imagine not having her in my life. I truly believe she is someone who makes the world a better place. When I get depressed about a perceived poor direction that the world is headed, I think of her and it renews my faith in people and society.
This 30 year old friend has had an unbelievably difficult life. When she was 23 she was dating (and close to engagement) a mutual friend. They were a great couple and since I was good friends with each of them, I was extremely happy. Their relationship to me was proof that true love could exist. Later that year the man was killed in a work accident. My heart broke for this friend of mine (and for the friend I lost) - which is nothing compared to what she must have felt. I remember hugging her and crying and her whispering in my ear "it will be alright." She told ME it would be alright. I felt ashamed at that moment - she shouldn't be comforting me! I could see her pain but she comforted others instead. It took many years of therapy and the lengthening gap of time for her to begin moving forward in life again. But she did. 7 years later, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. A cancer that makes up less than 2% of all female diagnosed cancers. The cancer was in stage 4. This past year she has gone through surgery and extensive chemo. She is forever changed physically and, again, mentally. Through it all she continues to smile. She has become less religious but more spiritual. When death is close I imagine even the hardest atheist contemplates a spiritual existence. Her appreciation for life is probably the appreciation everyone should have on a daily basis. She is the strongest person I have ever met.
Her life could quite possibly be the most influential gift in my life. When I get depressed I often think of her and a handful of other friends that have gone through situations in life I can only sympathize with. I certainly can't relate. It's inspirational to know how resilient people can be. And we all have it in us.
I often volunteer for the same reason - It is always a humbling experience to see the strength in others in situations you aren't really sure how you would react to. It's important for me to continue to remind myself how fortunate I really am, how strong we can all be, and how beautiful life is - even in times of struggle. Actually I shouldn't say "even in times of struggle" I should say "especially in times of struggle." My appreciation and recognition of the beauty of life is never greater than when I encounter those struggling most with life. Hope and faith are beautiful things.
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3 comments:
I find that I try to realize that my life is not nearly as bad as others when I am feeling down. Your friend is an inspiration and a rarity in a world full of selfish people. However, I think that you discount your value to inspire others as well. The obstacles that you have encountered AND overcome are at the least commendable and most of the time very admirable. It is you who are an inspiration to many of your friends without even knowing it;)
Thanks Anne. Speaking of inspiration ...just today I used you as an example of someone who has worked so hard for so long with self-doubt as to whether it would ever pay off...and it has! I'm sure you know this but everyone who knows you has a deep admiration for you. They have to, you earned.
I remember you telling me about this girl and I know how important she is for you and how you care about her. It is a sad and beautiful post.
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