Thursday, June 18, 2009

Dear God,

Rose and I had lunch, my friend from the 1970's. It's been so many years since we have spent time together. She had heart surgery just a few years ago. She had ovarian cancer in 2007. It returned in 2008. Her doctor told her to live life large.

For three hours we talked about life and relationships. She has an adoring husband who tends to her every need. He holds the can while she vomits from chemotherapy. He holds her when she is afraid. He makes her appointments and goes with her. He thinks of needs even before she has them. He is her best friend.

I remember Rose in the '70's. We were close friends at church. The local newspaper wrote an article about our friendship. I remember the big picture in the paper. We were laughing like crazy. We shared concerns about parenting, faith and family.

Today as I looked into the eyes of my friend, I saw you. I saw how you had provided me a beautiful friend in the early days of my motherhood, how even now, some thirty years later we could celebrate in our children's achievements in life. I also saw the frailty of human life. The doctor said the cancer will continue to return.

After three hours I rushed off for an appointment but I kissed my friend on the cheek thanking you for bringing her to my party and back into my life.

Thank you
for my friend Rose,
dear God.
Bless her
as she
blessed me
today.
Let her life
be large,
I pray.

Love, Andrea