storm

it's been an interesting stretch of life. not like any other i have ever had.
i have been lucky to live the bulk of my life without tragedy and suffering in the circle of people closest to me. i always thought that was one reason i was able to handle such an abundance of both at work. it was a different world.

it feels a bit like my worlds have collided.
there have been one too many family members, friends of the family, and friends of friends who have had a few symptoms, seen a doctor, had some tests, and gotten the worst news of their life.
and of course there is my dear friend, trying to navigate this new life she has been handed, sans the love of her life.

what has become crystal clear is that there is no magic pill, no silver bullet, no conventional wisdom, no piece of scripture or words of Rumi that can help a family face the loss of their dreams. no matter the support available, it is still a pill they need to swallow. some will chase this pill with sugar, some with bourbon, some with ipecac. as a nurse, friend, daughter, loved one, all you can do is be there and meet them where they are.

lest anyone think i sound cynical or depressed or hopeless....i'm not.
quite the contrary.
i, too, had a few symptoms, saw a doctor, had a few tests and they found this:

sometimes the joy that arises in the midst of the storm is the sweetest.