This has been an interesting thread. There’s a country song that says it all-“Find out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracey Lawrence. Even if you don’t like country music, it’s worth a listen.

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer spring of 2019. That nine months of treatment was an eye opener regarding the people in my life. One couple actually made the statement that they don’t text, email, call or send cards when people have health problems. How they developed that policy, I do not know. On the flip side, a peripheral friend would text to say she had left a cooler of meals on my front porch-some frozen for another day and some for that evening. I was blown away by her kindness.

Of course there were many responses between these two extremes. I received so many cards, which I greatly appreciated. Many people (even my husband’s golf partner’s wife, who doesn’t really know me) would send them frequently, not just when I was diagnosed. That helped get me through the days when I was not feeling well, worried, fatigued, etc.

People are complicated and have reasons for their responses or lack thereof. Some are just more empathetic than others I guess. I have learned through my own experience and I hope I will fully step up to the plate when needed by others.

Best wishes to all, Cindy