The Gift of Friendship

I have been remiss in writing on my blog for months now. Things have been rather hectic in my world. Here’s a brief synopsis of the last few months:
November: Working on my new book with a release date of Spring 2010
December: Healing from gallbladder issues (thankfully, it is being controlled by diet) and celebrated my 15th Cancer-versary
January: Began with reflecting on the past, enjoying the present and being excited about the future. In mid-January, I flew to NY with my husband to celebrate my 40th birthday with my amazing friends and family. After just passing my 15 year cancerversary, this 40th birthday had even that much more significance. Then onto Indiana to meet my husband’s family for the first time. It was a great visit. What a blessed January!

Bday Breakfast @ Jines

The birthday party was incredible! Lisa, Brenda and Brian did a superhero theme and filled the place with Natural Cancer Girl flyers and 2 huge signs (which I was able to keep for my business-thanks Brian). The cake was mouthwatering and although sugar isn’t my friend, that night it didn’t matter. I ate 3 pieces and boy was it worth it! I am going to share some of the photos I have of that night. I haven’t received them all yet, but as soon as I do, I will be sure to upload them for everyone to see.

Yum-O!

My husband Jeff and me.

Love you Lisa! Here's another one for the fridge.

Amazing friends!

Family fun!

More amazing friends!

Brenda and me striking a pose...Vogue!

Charlie and Ellie - Please stay awake for the party, brother!

My friends presented me with the best birthday present ever – a gratitude box. It was full of wonderful cards and notes about our friendships, times shared and times to come. I have read those notes so many times in the last week as I recouped and got my house in order after the trip. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, but all of them filled my heart with love and gratitude for the amazing people in my life. As I read these cards, I am reminded of the importance of these people and friendships. I have learned as much from each of them about life, friendship, authenticity, courage, love, selflessness, generosity, and how to take what life gives us and find the positive in it. Most importantly, they taught me it is okay to be vulnerable and reach out for help. So many people at this birthday party, directly contributed to my healthcare fund when I chose naturopathic medicine. They believed in me, even when the odds were stacked against me. They stood by me even when they thought I was crazy and risking my life. It was these friends who taught me how to receive. I firmly believe their love and support is a major reason I am still here today. The reason I am able to help others. Being with them on this milestone birthday was a necessity for me. It’s because of these incredible friends and family I am still here to celebrate 40.

As I write this, I realize no words can truly express the love and gratitude I have in my heart for them. As I write the thank you notes, I realize how inadequate words can be. I can only hope that they know just how much I love them and how much more my life is because of them.

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