Really beautiful and touching, thanks for sharing this and describing what a real, healthy relationship looks like. These are rare people to have in one's life and it seems like you don't take it for granted.
So much here... A powerful recognition that love comes in many forms and we too often obsess on only one manifestation. A lovely account of what it can feel like to have an effortless bond with someone. And then the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow.
Colon cancer is highly curable! So there's that. But of course there are no absolute assurances. I really feel for you. So much.
I don't pray, but I will send many wishes upon many stars that your friend survives this thing. In the meantime, you can lean into the fact that the two of you are becoming closer and closer. That in one of the most important moments in her life, you are right there.
Thank you so much, Csaba. Knowing this moved you to reach out to old friends means more than I can say. Life is fragile, and sometimes we need the reminder not to wait to tell people they matter. I’m grateful Lucy’s story gave you that nudge—and grateful for your kindness and thoughts for both of us. 🤍
Lucy is in my prayers and I believe she will live a very full life! I pray for strength for both of you during this time 🤍 this was such a lovely piece, girl friends are the best.
Thank you so much, Kenzie. I’m holding tightly to that hope too—that Lucy has a long, full, beautiful life ahead of her. Your prayers and kindness mean so much to both of us. And yes, girlfriends truly are the best. 🤍
Thank you, Bekjon. It did become heavy because that’s exactly how the moment felt—everything ordinary suddenly carrying so much weight. I’m hoping with everything I have that Lucy recovers too. 🤍
I clicked the like button. I love the way you told the story and the bone deep honesty of it. Well, guys aren't supposed to cry and I did. I've been working on reintegrating my feminine side for a while, so I'll blame it on that. I don't believe you can put a value in human terms on a love of your life. And I don't know when we decided it had to be with the opposite sex. But what I wouldn't give to have a relationship like that. I heard it said not to measure your life by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Yours and Lucy's story took my breath away, if only for a moment. Thank you and what I will take away is not the sorrow or the pain or the treatment you guys may endure, and I know you'll share it, but how you've faced it together.
Jay, this moved me deeply. Thank you for seeing the heart of the essay so clearly. Lucy is absolutely one of the loves of my life, and I agree that we’ve limited the meaning of love by treating romance as its highest form. Friendship can be just as intimate, devoted, and life-altering. I’m especially grateful that you took away how we’re facing this together, rather than only the fear surrounding it. And for the record, men are absolutely allowed to cry. ❤️
Somewhere along the way, we started treating romantic love as the highest form of being chosen, when some of the deepest, most enduring love in our lives comes from friendship. A friend who shows up, remembers, forgives, stays, and walks beside you through the hardest seasons chooses you again and again. We don’t celebrate those relationships nearly enough, even though they so often become the love stories that sustain us.
Sometimes the people who carry us through the hardest seasons restore our faith in life itself. And sometimes, faith really can move mountains. So don’t give up. ❤️
This is so beautifully said. We’re taught to look for the great love story in romance, while the people choosing us quietly and consistently are often our friends. Lucy has carried me through seasons I couldn’t have survived alone, and now I’m holding onto hope for her with everything I have. Thank you for seeing and honoring this kind of love—and for reminding me not to give up. ❤️
I am sorry about Lucy's diagnosis. I want to write something beautifully encouraging that will fix it all. But I cannot. So I will say, I read your words, I'm sitting with your words and I'll keep you both in my thoughts.
Thank you, Dee. This is more beautiful and comforting than anything that tries to fix the unfixable. Sometimes being willing to sit beside someone in the hard, wordless place is the kindest thing we can offer. It means so much to know you’re holding Lucy and me in your thoughts. 🤍
Dammit, I have work to do this morning and now I'm crying like a baby. You both have a boyfriend you've never met, me, and if we keep it like this, our relationship will be phenomenally successful. LOL. What a beautiful piece, and don't underestimate the power of love in healing, I have some stories.
Richard, I think this arrangement could work beautifully—as long as you remain emotionally available, consistent, and willing to support both girlfriends through cancer and deadlines. 😂 Thank you for making me laugh through the tears. I believe deeply in the healing power of love too, and I’d genuinely love to hear your stories someday. ❤️
I can do all that with one hand tied behind my back. P, to quote Bogart (or to Bogart a quote) I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. It is amazing what people with open hearts, at least one of whom is definitely a size two, can do for each other.
Thank you so much. I feel incredibly lucky to have Lucy in my life, and I’m holding tightly to hope as she faces what comes next. Your kindness and good wishes mean more than you know. 🤍
Really beautiful and touching, thanks for sharing this and describing what a real, healthy relationship looks like. These are rare people to have in one's life and it seems like you don't take it for granted.
Thank you so much. She is one of the rarest gifts in my life, and I never want her to wonder whether I know it. ❤️
Big sigh. You got me with this one, P.
So much here... A powerful recognition that love comes in many forms and we too often obsess on only one manifestation. A lovely account of what it can feel like to have an effortless bond with someone. And then the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow.
Colon cancer is highly curable! So there's that. But of course there are no absolute assurances. I really feel for you. So much.
I don't pray, but I will send many wishes upon many stars that your friend survives this thing. In the meantime, you can lean into the fact that the two of you are becoming closer and closer. That in one of the most important moments in her life, you are right there.
Honestly, there's nothing more sacred than that.
That is beautiful.
Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to read this. I appreciate you.
Damn
it's become heavy towards the end
I really hope Lucy recovers
Thank you so much for taking the time read. I appreciate your kind words and thoughts.
A journey of walking side-by-side with a friend is a precious one. Sending Lucy so much love as she navigates this challenge. ❤️
Thanks Jackie! Thanks for reading this and providing positive energy. I appreciate you! ❤️
Well damn, you made a grown man cry. Cancer sucks, there's no other way to put it.
My heart goes out to both of you and I'll have Lucy in my thoughts.
You just inspired me to reach out to my old friends who became distant over the years. Thank you for that. 🩶
Thank you so much, Csaba. Knowing this moved you to reach out to old friends means more than I can say. Life is fragile, and sometimes we need the reminder not to wait to tell people they matter. I’m grateful Lucy’s story gave you that nudge—and grateful for your kindness and thoughts for both of us. 🤍
Lucy is in my prayers and I believe she will live a very full life! I pray for strength for both of you during this time 🤍 this was such a lovely piece, girl friends are the best.
Thank you so much, Kenzie. I’m holding tightly to that hope too—that Lucy has a long, full, beautiful life ahead of her. Your prayers and kindness mean so much to both of us. And yes, girlfriends truly are the best. 🤍
This is so beautiful. 🥹What a beautiful tribute to friendship. I’ll be thinking of Lucy and sending her so much love.❤️
Thank you, Bekjon. It did become heavy because that’s exactly how the moment felt—everything ordinary suddenly carrying so much weight. I’m hoping with everything I have that Lucy recovers too. 🤍
I clicked the like button. I love the way you told the story and the bone deep honesty of it. Well, guys aren't supposed to cry and I did. I've been working on reintegrating my feminine side for a while, so I'll blame it on that. I don't believe you can put a value in human terms on a love of your life. And I don't know when we decided it had to be with the opposite sex. But what I wouldn't give to have a relationship like that. I heard it said not to measure your life by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. Yours and Lucy's story took my breath away, if only for a moment. Thank you and what I will take away is not the sorrow or the pain or the treatment you guys may endure, and I know you'll share it, but how you've faced it together.
Jay, this moved me deeply. Thank you for seeing the heart of the essay so clearly. Lucy is absolutely one of the loves of my life, and I agree that we’ve limited the meaning of love by treating romance as its highest form. Friendship can be just as intimate, devoted, and life-altering. I’m especially grateful that you took away how we’re facing this together, rather than only the fear surrounding it. And for the record, men are absolutely allowed to cry. ❤️
Good because I am a man and I did cry
This is love ❤️
Thank you. I believe it is too ❤️
This is beautiful. ❤️
Somewhere along the way, we started treating romantic love as the highest form of being chosen, when some of the deepest, most enduring love in our lives comes from friendship. A friend who shows up, remembers, forgives, stays, and walks beside you through the hardest seasons chooses you again and again. We don’t celebrate those relationships nearly enough, even though they so often become the love stories that sustain us.
Sometimes the people who carry us through the hardest seasons restore our faith in life itself. And sometimes, faith really can move mountains. So don’t give up. ❤️
This is so beautifully said. We’re taught to look for the great love story in romance, while the people choosing us quietly and consistently are often our friends. Lucy has carried me through seasons I couldn’t have survived alone, and now I’m holding onto hope for her with everything I have. Thank you for seeing and honoring this kind of love—and for reminding me not to give up. ❤️
I am sorry about Lucy's diagnosis. I want to write something beautifully encouraging that will fix it all. But I cannot. So I will say, I read your words, I'm sitting with your words and I'll keep you both in my thoughts.
Thank you, Dee. This is more beautiful and comforting than anything that tries to fix the unfixable. Sometimes being willing to sit beside someone in the hard, wordless place is the kindest thing we can offer. It means so much to know you’re holding Lucy and me in your thoughts. 🤍
🩷🪷
Dammit, I have work to do this morning and now I'm crying like a baby. You both have a boyfriend you've never met, me, and if we keep it like this, our relationship will be phenomenally successful. LOL. What a beautiful piece, and don't underestimate the power of love in healing, I have some stories.
Richard, I think this arrangement could work beautifully—as long as you remain emotionally available, consistent, and willing to support both girlfriends through cancer and deadlines. 😂 Thank you for making me laugh through the tears. I believe deeply in the healing power of love too, and I’d genuinely love to hear your stories someday. ❤️
I can do all that with one hand tied behind my back. P, to quote Bogart (or to Bogart a quote) I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. It is amazing what people with open hearts, at least one of whom is definitely a size two, can do for each other.
A wonderful friendship you have with Lucy. I really wish her the best as she battles her health situations.
Thank you so much. I feel incredibly lucky to have Lucy in my life, and I’m holding tightly to hope as she faces what comes next. Your kindness and good wishes mean more than you know. 🤍
🫶🙏🤞
Thanks Bryon. Appreciate it. ❤️🩷❤️🩷