lost voice

The excruciating news came a few weeks ago that yet another friend is facing down lymphoma.  Shock, fear, grief, and helplessness took over my state of mind, blocking my motivation to blog.  When someone is dealing with such physical and mental pain, everything else seems so small and irrelevant.  Faith put it perfectly, "This puts all things into perspective."  Totally.  What important or interesting things do I have to say?  Well, actually nothing. 

at a Buddhist temple, a calm and peaceful place

I know, we carry on with optimism and with as much normalcy as possible.  It's frustrating that I'm not there, lending my support along with her many dedicated and loving friends.  Happily, her treatment plan is straight forward, and I hope and pray for speedy success!  

My sister, Judy, was the caregiver for our younger sister, Denise, when she was critically ill with Hodgkin's lymphoma.  I asked her what was most helpful for Denise, or what should friends do when someone is going through cancer treatment?  She said it was best when friends would just be there, sit and talk or not talk, listening and paying attention to Denise.  Judy feels it's important to be as normal as possible.  She also said the worse thing was when friends would call or visit, needing help dealing with their own grief and emotions, and putting Denise in the position of comforting them.  It's hard to imagine anyone being that selfish. 

For now, I'm focusing on the end of the spring semester, writing final exams, meeting with students, and doing other outreach type activities.  Keeping busy.  More soon.