Requiem for a Friend

This has really been some year.  I will not be sad to see 2007 leave...

Being sicker, brain tumor, my mom's friend of 40 years, Pat, succumbing to cancer, my Uncle Larry also crossing to the Other Side.

Now this sad news.

My mom grew up with three best friends.  They all lived in small section of Jersey City called the 'Heights'.  The four of them lived in a 1 1/2 block area, less for a few.  They all went to the same Catholic school.  3 of the 4 dad's died within a month of each other. 

All four remained friends for life.

Josie lived in New Hampshire.  Josie has had it very tough for the last ten years as her husband has been consumed by Alzheimer's.  Two months ago, Josie's only son, David, 40, was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  Curable, but still quite scary. 

Josie also struggled with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and they thought possibly Lupus, like me.

Sometime last week Josie was checked into the hospital due to an infection from a kidney stone.  She quickly developed some pulmonary complications, and died suddenly on Tuesday. 

She will have a service in New Hampshire, but then also in New Jersey and the funeral will be here, too.  I think Josie's heart was always still here in Jersey.

Josie was so kind and sweet.  She always read my journal and would occasionally email me kind words when she knew I needed them most. 

So, J-land friends... I feel as though this year I have pressed upon your kindness too often, but once again, will you send positive thoughts, prayers, and wishes my way, for my mom, at this difficult time. 

Thank you...

My Thankful Thursday list:

1.     Jland's love and support and kindness.
2.     My family.
3.     Kathy, who just sat and listened to me for her entire lunch hour, my sister of the heart.
4.     Libby, who seems to sense the sadness and has been nuzzled at my feet.
5.     Docs & researchers who are finding more help for RA/Lupus. 

be well,
Dawn

Tags: death, childhood friend, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sad, bad year, Thankful Thursday