There's always something out there lurking "You're Healthy Until You're Sick." That sage advice from a friend and medical doctor hit home this week when I made my annual Christmas phone call to a long-time friend in a distant city.
I had talked to her earlier in the year during our annual birthday call and aside from the usual aches and pains all was well. But starting two weeks ago when I tried calling I got a phone disconnected on her landline and cell phone unresponsive. Some digging around discovered she is now in an assistant living facility with issues that keep her from having a phone in her room. All these years I had been calling her and visiting her on my annual trip back to my hometown and just blithely figured they would never end.
But so they did. With a thud. I'm not even able to talk her now, so I will content myself with sending her cards and notes in hopes of lifting her spirits.
I don't mean this to be some Hallmark-style banality that we "be happy for today" blah blah blah. Instead, just be aware of how circumstances can change in an instant and be prepared to pivot and the only thing to take for granted is the fact that nothing is for granted. I hope my friend is okay and I promise myself I will be there for her any way I can. As my mom used to say, "I did my best."
God bless you, everyone, and have a fine day and Christmas.
