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An Unexpected Self-Discovery

An Unexpected Self-Discovery

This past week I learned something about my new identity as a breast cancer survivor/blogger that I was not entirely prepared for. I found out how much I genuinely care about the new friendships I have formulated over the past few months with other survivors/bloggers.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, A Thank You, one of the very first breast cancer blogs I visited was Brenda’s blog. After considerable contemplation and finally beginning Nancy’s Point a few  months ago, I invited Brenda to “visit.” She stopped by and commented and pretty quickly we discovered some similarities between us. One of those was, of course, breast cancer and also the BRCA2 gene mutation. Another was our mutual love of writing, another was our love of dogs and yet another was the fact both of us had loving, supportive husbands to walk side by side with us through our journeys. Brenda always mentioned her beloved James whenever possible. When I heard Brenda’s husband had unexpectedly passed away the day after Christmas, I was struck by the intensity of my feelings of sadness and empathy for her, a friend I have never even met.

My intense reaction to my new friend’s loss somewhat surprised me at first, but the more I thought about it, I realized the  connections that have been forged in such a short time between myself and other bloggers, are indeed quite strong already. Friendships such as this are one of the greatest gifts of blogging, (I’m pretty sure some readers feel a similar connection, it’s not just the writers), but are also a potential source for unexpected sadness. We share such personal pieces of our lives, how could we not grow to care about each other? How could we not feel the impact when one of us experiences joy as well as heartache? After all, that’s what friendship is all about.

I also realized proximity is irrelevant when you are someone’s friend, as is meeting them face to face.

I hesitated to write this post. Then I hesitated to post it. Maybe it’s not appropriate, maybe I’m being presumptuous. But then again, maybe I’m not. Maybe it is appropriate. My blog, after all, is a blog about breast cancer and loss. Also, maybe others are having feelings similar to mine after hearing this news. Like me, maybe others feel tremendously saddened.

I thought about how whenever I don’t know what to do, I turn to writing. Writing heals. That’s why I decided to go ahead with this post today. I decided to go ahead because I know Brenda is first and foremost a writer. She left a comment one time on my blog stating, “Writing is my solace, my compass, the constant during every phase of my life.” She will need this compass now more than ever. That’s why I believe she will turn to writing again when the time is right, in order to help herself heal from this devastating loss. She will also turn to writing again in order to help others, because that’s what she always does. At least I hope she will. (If you click on Brenda’s Blog at the above link and read her seeringly honest account of James’ passing, you will find she has already returned to her “compass.”)

Cancer is really hard. Losing people we care about is even harder. Simplistically stated, moving forward can be really hard as well. Knowing others care about what you are going through, be it cancer, loss or something else life has thrown at you, might just help a little. That’s my hope anyway.

Speaking for so many of us “out here” in this community you are such a huge part of, I want to say, we are sorry for your loss, Brenda. Your friends are here for you. Even though undoubtedly at times you feel like it, you are not alone.

How do you help a grieving friend?

 

Sami

Saturday 15th of January 2011

Nancy, that is a great idea for a post. My dad has started dating now-- the same woman for quite a while actually-- and my mom's 7 sisters put them both through the wringer... so I need to figure out just how much is worth writing about. Some days I want to really say how I feel/felt about what they did and said to him, but then other days, I feel there is no point because they are better now. But... I don't know... maybe it's worth letting them know the hurt they caused. Tastefully, of course. It'll take some time for me to decide. Any input is welcome :-)

Also, about the guest post-- as you know I haven't quite had the time yet, but can I do it in February after my video is done?!

Nancy

Saturday 15th of January 2011

Sami, Wow, your mom had 7 sisters! I suppose seeing him date someone else was pretty difficult, so it's understandable they "put him through the wringer," I guess. It's a lot for everyone to deal with. Lots of potential writing material there when the time is right. About the guest post, just get to it when you get time, I want it to be from your heart and not written under pressure. It will be so helpful to get the perspective from someone your age. Are you back now?

Sami

Saturday 15th of January 2011

Nancy, I was pleasant surprised by the friendships I have made in such a short time blogging as well. Your name & several others are household names now in general discussion! I am going to look at Brenda's blog now. I am so sad for her. I saw the toll that my mom's death took on my dad since they had been together since they were merely 16, and I can't even begin to fathom her hurt. Hopefully her and I can learn from each other too. You never know where your inspirations and friendships can stem from.

Thank you for posting this xoxo

Nancy

Saturday 15th of January 2011

Sami, It's good to hear from you. I have been thinking about you and wondering how your trip is going. I'm sure your mother's illness and death did take a tremendous toll on you dad. Do you plan to write about that sometime? How is he doing? Looking forward to hearing about Belize and the important documentary you are making about women there.

Philippa

Friday 14th of January 2011

So true and beautifully put, Nancy. There seems to be a whole new dimension to relationships which develop through the intensity of our diagnosis/condition and the ability to connect with others through technology creating strong bonds and emotions. I was very upset when a women I had connected with through our blogs was taken, and it prompted me to write this: http://feistybluegeckofightsback.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/loss/

Thanks and very warm wishes P

Nancy

Friday 14th of January 2011

Philippa, Thank you for returning and commenting. You know this post was difficult for me to post, but turns out it has now generated the most comments, so I guess it was the right thing to do after all. You are so right about the dimension of these friendships. I'm sorry you lost such a friend recently. I'll check out your post. Thank you for sharing it.

Carole

Wednesday 12th of January 2011

Nancy,

I found your blog through the lovely Rose Mary's blog....

Your post is so sincere and relevant. I believe that once we become a part of the blogging community *it* then becomes a part of us.

As we open up to each other it's impossible not to feel connected with each other. I think the fact that most of us will never meet is irrelevant - I've certainly shed tears over people I've never met - but they *are* friends, just distant ones.

I liked your post very much and will link to this on my blog tomorrow. It's so relevant and I honestly feel that the vast majority of bloggers wish they could have put it into words the way that you've done here.

With love, Carole xxx

Nancy

Thursday 13th of January 2011

Carole, Thanks for making your way to my blog. I'm always so happy to find someone new! Thanks for you kind comments about this post. Linking it to your blog would be wonderful and much appreciated. I'll be sure to check your blog out. Hope to see you back soon.

Marie Ennis O'Connor

Wednesday 12th of January 2011

What a beautiful post Nancy and it is so true that deep connections are possible through our community of bloggers.

Nancy

Wednesday 12th of January 2011

Marie, Once again, thank you for your supportive comment. It means a lot to me.