For Mindy

You instantly 'friended' me the summer of 2011.  I was renting a studio three doors down from your bakery/coffee shop. I became a regular.

But today I learned something upsetting.  Your sister told me you had breast cancer.  Diagnosed this April.  Then I saw you from the back as you were making deliveries.  You had lost all of your hair.  Your sister said that happened on the third treatment of chemo.  You even had a party wherein everyone snipped some of your gorgeous hair until it was gone.

You celebrated your life.  That you found this when you did.  Your sister says the cancer is quite advanced.  Chills run up my spine as I write this. 

I am remembering the day you gave me about 50 bread loaf bags for toileting my dogs.  We often passed one another in our walks.  You knew I needed them. (no pun)

Then we began to walk together.  Your spunky nature was a joy to be around.  So much life in you.  I am saying prayers for you, Mindy.  Once again, I am reminded to live every moment.  To appreciate the friends who are there for you.  There are not many but there are enough.  I treasure them dearly.  Always. 

Life is about those close to you.  They show you kindness and you love them for that.  This diagnosis has also softened your sister.  I don't think she ever said too many words to me.  It didn't bother me.  But today, she needed to talk.  I told her how much I admired the closeness you both share.  Two sisters owning a bakery.  Bonds never broken.  How lucky you both are.

For you and Mindy, I pray both of you can find peace with all of this.  I am glad to know you.