"Dear Friend"
I've been struggling a bit with the overwhelming outpouring of support from friends. And I don't just mean those friends who have been around for a decade or more, or the friends I grew up with. I mean friends I only know through social media platforms, even though we've been connected for several years.
Friends through the babywearing community, friends through the Wearing Color/color and image analysis community. Friends from my pregnancy/due date groups. Those friends I've known for decades or since childhood. Family who are friends. EVERYONE has been so generous with their time, resources, gifts, everything.
And I admit I have been struggling with some form of impostor syndrome:
Have I been a friend worthy of all of this showering of love?
Will I ever be able to thank everyone adequately?
Will I be able to pay it forward in parity?
Am I taking away from others who could use the support?
Yesterday, Jay came in after another care package drop, and he said "I'm overwhelmed by such an outpouring of support from your mommy friends. It shows how you put so much of yourself out there and do a good job of staying connected, that people just feel like they are connected with you. I just think it is so awesome."
I think that was some much-needed perspective. I hope my friends believe I would do the same, or that I am here to sympathize and empathize when needed. I do put myself out there and hope that, even by sharing my cautionary tale, it drives someone(s) to make an appointment, routine or one-off. I hope this experience drives us closer, if we have grown apart.
I value you, friends. And I will never forget the way you have shown up for me.
Yesterday's care package came with a book titled "Dear Friend: Letters of Encouragement, Humor, and Love for Women with Breast Cancer." This one seemed appropriate.
"Dear Sister,
Today I want you to know that you are LOVED. There is a circle of women who are surrounding you to offer you strength and support. We love you and are sending you supportive thoughts and hugs. YOU are a strong warrior and you are never alone. The fellowship of women is with you.
Peace and Love,
Karen B."
Here is a sampling of the fellowship that is with me. Not pictured are the myriad offers to take the kids for play dates or offers to be a chemo buddy or to bring food, or the gift certificates, or the cards. You all are seriously amazing.
Friends through the babywearing community, friends through the Wearing Color/color and image analysis community. Friends from my pregnancy/due date groups. Those friends I've known for decades or since childhood. Family who are friends. EVERYONE has been so generous with their time, resources, gifts, everything.
And I admit I have been struggling with some form of impostor syndrome:
Have I been a friend worthy of all of this showering of love?
Will I ever be able to thank everyone adequately?
Will I be able to pay it forward in parity?
Am I taking away from others who could use the support?
Yesterday, Jay came in after another care package drop, and he said "I'm overwhelmed by such an outpouring of support from your mommy friends. It shows how you put so much of yourself out there and do a good job of staying connected, that people just feel like they are connected with you. I just think it is so awesome."
I think that was some much-needed perspective. I hope my friends believe I would do the same, or that I am here to sympathize and empathize when needed. I do put myself out there and hope that, even by sharing my cautionary tale, it drives someone(s) to make an appointment, routine or one-off. I hope this experience drives us closer, if we have grown apart.
I value you, friends. And I will never forget the way you have shown up for me.
Yesterday's care package came with a book titled "Dear Friend: Letters of Encouragement, Humor, and Love for Women with Breast Cancer." This one seemed appropriate.
"Dear Sister,
Today I want you to know that you are LOVED. There is a circle of women who are surrounding you to offer you strength and support. We love you and are sending you supportive thoughts and hugs. YOU are a strong warrior and you are never alone. The fellowship of women is with you.
Peace and Love,
Karen B."
Here is a sampling of the fellowship that is with me. Not pictured are the myriad offers to take the kids for play dates or offers to be a chemo buddy or to bring food, or the gift certificates, or the cards. You all are seriously amazing.
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