Sunday, May 27, 2012

Happy Birthday and Goodbye

Rebecca_and_Nanci by Teckelcar
Rebecca_and_Nanci, a photo by Teckelcar on Flickr.
Saturday was a good friend's 50th birthday. Saturday was also the day she lost her battle with ovarian cancer.

I don't have very many pictures of Nanci, but I have this one from almost 10 years ago with Rebecca.

This was before cancer came
and took her hair
and took her health
and took her life.

This was before her husband lost his friend.

This was before her son lost his mother, his biggest fan, and was robbed of the chance to bask in her pride at his high school graduation next month.

This was before her father's heart was broken.

This was before I lost a person that can't be replaced.

She lived her life to the fullest.

She was a doer and accomplished amazing things in her life.

When she was diagnosed three and half years ago with stage IIIc ovarian cancer she did not sit idly by. She rolled up her sleeves and fought it tooth and nail. She started a foundation, The Circle of Strength, to raise awareness, funds for research, and a place for support.

She fought so hard those three and a half years, but the cancer and the treatments took their toll and her body could take no more.

She celebrated her birthday a month early. Her friends came together and threw a huge party. She was wheelchair bound, but she had a wonderful time. Nanci was always in her element when she was at a party. That last party was the greatest gift.

I will miss my friend.


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