Life’s ups and downs

I learned this week that a friend may have cancer – in multiple spots. While we wait with bated breath for the doctor’s appointment that will confirm or negate this news, I wonder how it is that one day is golden and the next, dark with thunderclouds. Preceeding the news, we all enjoyed a spectacular day at Dillon beach this weekend. Bright sunshine, kids, dogs, sandy food, the works – all was right with the world. But then Tuesday morning – the horrible smack down that turned the world around us upside down.

As we scramble to rally support for our friend, I’m struck by how each of us reacts to devastating news. She is, of course, in shock, alternately crying and anxiously busy making arrangements. But at the same time, she has kept her wry sense of humor calling it the “beast within” and saying, “just get it out of me as soon as possible.” As she busily faxes test results around the country, she chatters away on her phone, deciding how to enjoy an anniversary dinner – that now includes her children – and get into San Francisco to UCSF’s cancer-unit – a term that makes her shudder with disbelief. Above all, she’s purposeful and resourceful, using time off from her job to get the best care she can as fast as she can.

After I spent some time silently weeping for my friend I, too, got busy setting up a web site where her friends can come together in support. Have you seen these sites? Caring Bridge is one, Lotsa Helping Hands is another. They are incredible resources for families in need and those ready and willing to lend aid – a one-stop shop for meals being delivered, carpools for children’s activities, the rapid dissemination of news, etc.

My friend epitomizes the old adage about making lemonade when life doles out lemons. Following her lead, we dry our tears and push ahead into uncharted territory as we ride this roller coaster together.