Friends...

I've been blessed with some nice things in my life, the best of which are my family and friends...

Unfortunately I've just learned that one of the nicest, most sincere and dearest of friends is in a tough place. Somehow he has been dealt an undeserved hand and the outlook is bleak. Cancer does that! Indiscriminate, merciless and devastating...

I have just had a call with him to express my sympathies, share my emotions and show my support. We both started off somewhat matter of fact - blah, blah, blah...chemo - that's tough, you'll beat it - blah, blah, blah. The we broke through to the next level - a sincere chat about what it really means and how we really feel.

Some tears, some choked emotions and a whole lot of reality. We are friends and our friendship goes back over 45 years. We can be direct and say it as it is. We laughed about the good times (at school, at uni, at work), some near misses and great escapes, and the fact that we used to be "bulletproof"! Sadly no longer. Now we talk about how time has crept up on us both and with it the new challenges that age, life and human frailty brings.

So where do we go from here? His chemo treatment starts next week; the stats aren't favorable and it's going to be "hell on earth" for my strong and brave friend. For me, I'll be on the sidelines urging him to beat this beast, take another step and win this battle one day at a time.

What would I do, if our roles were reversed? I really cannot say. I think I'd want to make each day count; tell my family and friends that I love them; make people laugh and smile and not have a bad word to say. I'd build a picture book of things that are dear to me, memories that are meaningful and of course, compile the most important "To Do" list of my life. No time to be lazy - life is for living! Especially when you're on a countdown...

My friends and family who read this, will know how much I love them and value and cherish our relationships. You are all SO special to me!

To my special friend, just know that your friends are with you every step of the way. We've got your back, we care, we'll pray, we'll share the journey with you.

And in the words of the song by Burt Bacaharch and Hal David - What's it all about Alfie?

What's it all about, Alfie
Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie