- I've known Alison since 1993; the year she started working for my dad. I was 9, she was 23.
- She didn't particularly care anything about being my friend (or even being around me) until 2007 when I quit being spoiled, bratty and whining (more or less).
- She is now my best friend.
Those statements being established, when Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and endured surgeries, radiation, stress, fear and all other unpleasantries associated with cancer, I was not a part of it. Granted, I was on the periphery - when Alison completed her treatment we took a "family beach trip" (dad, Eileen, Michael, me, Alison and John) and she sat down and explained the process of radiation, showed me her scars and the burn marks, but it only resonated with me in a selfish way - "wow, I hope I don't ever get breast cancer."
Flash forward five years, 10 months and maybe 2 weeks and we come to last Thursday where Alison got the phone call that there was a spot on her mammogram and she was t to come back in for more pictures. I wanted to take all the fear and anxiety she was feeling upon myself (in addition to all the fear and anxiety I had) because it is unfair that someone who endured so much should have to do it again.
Thankfully, Al is just fine, but it brought so much to the forefront for me - how I rely on her for so much; how I take for granted things in my life that are so delicate; and how I rely on Al a LOT for her support, but I instantly was ready in my head and with all my strength to see her through anything that was ahead.
It also reminded me to tell the ones I love, "I love you"; hug them more than they want (sorry, Al) and never take for granted the simple joy of health and happiness.
