5 Little words

Words are amazing. They can hurt, they can heal, they can change everything.

One year ago on June 6th, a good friend of mine lost her sweet 6 year old son to complications from leukemia. I will never ever forget that day. I vividly remember every excruciating detail of that day from the minute I got the phone call until I fell into fitful sleep that night.

Can you imagine? You may think you can, but believe me you can't even begin to.

I met my friend at work, and even though we have very different personalities we clicked. Then her son got sick, and a few months later my daughter was diagnosed. Our bond grew. Even after she and I found different jobs we stayed in touch, although her son had rough moments, I never believed he wouldn't beat it. Apparently, she had been leaving important information about his health out of our conversations. I didn't physically see him much as we mostly met kid free for some relaxing time together. So I never realized just how sick he was. Then what, to me, was out of the blue he died.
I got the call at work. Let me refer to my former statement....you. can. NOT. IMAGINE.

I was totally unprepared, and had NO idea how to support my friend during a time like this. Especially since my daughter had just been given a wonderful report at a specialist we had just seen. Somehow I fumbled through, and marveled at how gracefully my friend showed strength.

Fast forward one year to this past week. The fast approaching "anniversary" was alllll I could think about. What do I say? How do I handle this? Do I acknowledge it, or let it pass? Somebody please tell me!!!
Finally I decided to send a brief e-mail acknowledging it, sending prayers, and love, and wishes of wonderful memories.
I held my breath. I really didn't think I would hear a word.
But when I checked my email today, I saw her reply......I opened it hesitantly.
Then I read the sweetest words.......
Thank you. I appreciate that.
5 little words that have me smiling from ear to ear, and feeling like I did the right thing.

5 little words.

Words are amazing.

~Charmaine