Friends to worry about

[Guest guest]

Sometimes its tough here. I can't imagine Leanne's job. I read of so

many people daily who I've so come to care about. It's painful

sometimes. There are days I want to drive to the Corporate

headquarters of Apria or Cigna or drive to Toronto and straighten

someone out. There is not a day here one doesn't here of problems of

someone dear to them. I know many wonder why we put ourselves through

that day to day.

Well, here's why I do. The only way not to go through that is to have

no friends that you care about. Thats a very empty way to live. I had

few friends many times as my career took me from place to place.

Never any with as many health issues as my friends here, but never

any who meant more to me.

Also, selfishly as an individual perhaps, but also I think accurately

for us as a community, we know we do help and are able to be of some

value in the lives of others here. Some days it doesn't feel like

doing much but other days more. Last week we were at was with Apria.

Today our hearts, souls and prayers outpour to Joyce. She knows that.

Yes, she had family going with her, but she had all of us with her as

well and her post on the way out to the hospital reflects that.

Last, any minor contribution we each make is paid back so many times

more. I guess I experienced some of it even in the ER briefly when I

was worried about getting word here if I stayed in the hospital and

had more than one plan. I think all of us know we're never alone in

this battle. We live, we fight, we cry, we suffer, but we don't do

any of it alone.

So, just had to remind myself today as I do worry that worrying about

a community of friends is a choice I made and am glad I did. I'm

scared to death for Joyce right now. I'm anxious over Gwynne's

transplant. I'm waiting to hear from Irene. I'm worried about

everyone here. But I care and love and that so fills one's life with

substance.

Thank you all for being here as part of a wonderful community or

persons, suffering from a horrible disease, but never having to go it

alone.