Bleeding Hearts flowers
I have a friend. I’ll call her Shirley. Actually, her name really is Shirley. I know her through a group of runner-friends who came together years ago when all of them were planning to run the Las Vegas Marathon. They formed one of those hard-to-describe friendship bonds. That’s how I know Shirley. We have interacted primarily through social media. I always read her posts, and I think she reads mine. I’ve always felt a bond with her.
Shirley is well-traveled. When I announced a few months ago, that I was going to India, she wrote and wrote suggestions. Her love for travel and India, in particular, shone through. Speaking of shining, you can just tell she is that kind of person. No attitude, no bullshit, just a good person who’s unique, giving, loved and fun.
Shirley also loves to run. She has “streaked” – i.e., ran each and every day – since 2011. She is very proud of that! Shirley’s daily Facebook streak entries are part of my daily existence.
Shirley’s streak abruptly ended a few months ago when a Colonoscopy revealed colon cancer. Shirley started a blog to document her battle. That’s when many of her runner friends decided to continue the streak, Shirley’s Streak, by Streaking for Shirley.
The colon surgery seemed to go pretty well, but not as well as hoped – unfortunately, the tests revealed some spread to the lymph nodes, which would require chemo. That was the news through Friday. Not good, but … what can I say?
This morning I noticed a new post by Shirley. I read it with disbelief. I can’t stop shaking my head. Tears keep welling in my eyes. You see, Shirley was ill this weekend. Her husband took her to the doctor. Long story short (and how can a story such as this ever be short?), she was taken to the Emergency Room at a hospital in Ontario, Canada and an Emergency CT Scan was performed. Three tumors in her brain were found. Three fucking tumors. This is horrific. She awaits surgery this week.
My heart aches. My heart breaks for this incredible woman and her family. She has an amazing and resilient spirit, and I know she will defy prognosis with years rather than months. It just seems so stupid and futile to try to think of blog topics at times like this. So frivolous. But, I guess blogging when it comes down to it, is just writing. And writing is my way of working through my thoughts – which at this moment are more focused on anguish than on travel and running. It will change. I will channel that energy in a positive direction – to run in honor of Shirley, to streak for her, to continue my travels and maybe see some of the sights through her eyes.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Sorry to read about your friend:( She sounds like an amazingly strong woman- just the type to defy a prognosis.
I saw this on 60 minutes. It was about Duke’s Polio Virus Trial Against Glioblastoma. tell your friend to look into this.
I am humbled by this post … And sit with joy, hope, grace in my heart. I firmly believe that HOW we live defines us not the number. Hold tight to those you love and squeeze every bit of joy and love in each day!
You are an inspiration, Shirley!
Thank you for articulating exactly how I have been feeling since hearing the day to day updates become more and more upsetting. I am honoured to call Shirley my step sister. I can honestly say, I have never seen this woman without a smile (and a beautifully dimpled one at that) on her face and exuberance in her voice. I have much to learn from her…what I love the most is how “real” Shirley is and how comfortable she is in her skin. I too believe she will surpass whatever time she is given and will live each day exactly as she has all along…knowing, cherishing and loving what really matters to her.
I spoke to Kathy today and she was very emotional and upset about you Shirley. Sending out great vibes and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Kathy, I hope your friend does so well that she surprises everyone. And if you are reading here too, Shirley, may you be WELL!
Love and best wishes Shirley. Praying for a miracle.
I am so proud to be Shirley’s Mother. She is an incredible person. She always has a smile and never complains no matter what. She has been that way since she was a little girl. My heart is breaking for what she is going through now and the worse part is that I cannot help her. A Mother always wants to help her kids and to stop the pain but I cannot do that now.
I am so happy that all her friends, and runners that she has met over the years, are saying so many great things about her, it just fills my heart with love for everyone.
Best wishes for Shirley.