The last two weeks or so were pretty tough for me. Most of my friends, family, and colleagues were respectful of my need to retreat a bit. Some were not, no matter how nicely I asked. Those are the kind of people who are so selfish they can never break away from putting their needs first, regardless of what’s going around them. Oddly enough, I feel sorry for them, because they’ll never maintain good relationships and have no idea why.
If you’ve been following The 40 Factor, you recently read that my friend, Jill, was nearing her final days. She passed away on Monday, March 22, after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer.
Even though we knew her fight had taken a turn several months ago, and she was no longer responding to treatments, we were still hoping for a miracle. Who doesn’t want his loved one to be the one to beat it against all odds?
Jill wasn’t my first friend about my age to pass away. She was actually my eighth, and I’m only 40. I still can’t believe I’ve lost another young friend.
My heart broke last week, and I was overwhelmed with emotion 24/7 for her family and all her friends.
There are times in life when we add just one more stone to the scale, when it not only tips, but actually topples. This is how I felt. Somehow, in addition to everything else going on in my life, Jill’s passing at such a young age after her intense fight with this cruel disease unnerved my existence.
Now that I’ve had some time to regroup, brush myself off, and stand on my feet again, I want to thank everyone who gave me space, a shoulder or phone to cry on, a hug just when I needed it, and loving support during Jill’s final days and after her passing. Your friendship means the world to me. Thank you.
