Thank you for being a friend…yes I am reminded of the Golden Girls and the theme song they made famous. It is my daughter’s ringtone on my cell phone but it is also one of those songs that just gets stuck in my head and won’t let go. Lately I have been thinking a lot about my friends.
One in particular called me a few weeks ago to tell me some bad news…that awful, terrifying phrase no one want to hear. She said, “I have cancer.”
I distinctly remember the first time I ever heard this word when I was young. I was about 6 and my grandma was telling my mom about someone with cancer. I didn’t have any idea what it was at the time but the way adults tipped their head and talked in hushed tones I knew it was something really bad. That feeling came over me again while I was talking to my friend.
I offered the usual…Can I bring over any food? Do you need a ride? How about I watch the pets? She had everything covered so I felt helpless.
As we talked further I asked how she was diagnosed. She said that it was caught early at a routine physical. I shared that it had been at least five years since I had scheduled a complete physical. This is not something I generally share, I have nothing against doctors, I just hadn’t taken the time.
We continued discussing her care plan and other “upbeat” topics but then as we were about to hang up she said I just thought of what you can do for me. Of course I said anything, just ask.
She said, “I am personally asking you to promise me you will schedule a physical this week and follow up with a mammogram and a colonoscopy if your doctor suggests them.”
Wow, this blew me away. Here she was dealing with a serious issue and she put my health on her list of favors. How could I refuse?
It was the jolt I needed. I am teary just thinking about her kindness and concern for my family and me. I did as she asked and I will continue to put this on my annual to-do list. I want to thank her for being a true friend.
Now I am putting this forward to you, my dear reader friends, please, as a favor to me, schedule a physical before the end of the month. Follow all of your doctor’s recommended treatments and put yourself and your health first. We will all travel down this road and back again.
Never love anyone who treats you like you are ordinary.
Dorothy, The Golden Girls
Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of home-style recipes.
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