Today I smiled, I laughed, I spent time with friends…it was a good day.

There is a lot to be said about the power of love and friendship.  It is amazing how spending time with someone important to you can lift your spirits and make your life just a little bit brighter.  It’s amazing how the unselfish loyal concern for the good of another can draw two people together and form a strong bond based on compassion, affection and understanding.

This bond is what I have with Cheryl.  We were simply acquaintances at one point.  Cheryl worked for the same company as Jon and we met briefly one or two times.  Then one day Jon told me that Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer and asked me if it was okay if she contacted me.  I sent her a private message on Facebook and the bond was formed.  Now I consider her one of my closest friends and one of my favorite people.

Today Cheryl was just what I needed.  We had a three hour lunch.  We talked about her life.  We talked about my life.  We shopped.  We laughed.  We were normal.  Today reminded me the importance of spending time with someone you love.

It’s funny how circumstances can bring someone into your life and form a bond not just between two people but between two families.  Today while I was listening to Cheryl talk about her family I was reminded of when she told me that Nikki had talked to Andy about adding me to his prayers.  He added me at the same time that he added some of his favorite superheroes.  I had joked that it must also make me a superhero.  While I don’t actually think of myself as a superhero, I do think that friendship, love and compassion all have superhero powers.  Today those powers were enough to make me feel normal.  Today those powers were just what I needed.

Tonight I was able to carry those powerful feelings with me as I went to a benefit for a friend.  I looked at others with the knowledge that I am not the only one who struggles.  I’m not the only one who needs love, compassion, affection and understanding.  Tonight I thought of Andy and how he had unselfishly added me to his prayers without another thought.  Tonight, I channeled that unselfishness and tried my best to show love, compassion and understanding to others.  I was kind to others.  I smiled.  I laughed.

Thank you, Cheryl, for walking with me through this cancer journey.  Thank you for welcoming me into your heart and your family.  But most of all, thank you for today.