In a heartbeat

A whole world can change in a heartbeat.

I found out last week that my best friend had a heart attack. A. Heart. Attack. I am still trying to wrap my brain around this.

She is 37 years old, like me. No risk factors or family history of heart disease. She has 2 daughters, aged 5 and 3. A husband. Parents. A career.

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She is the friend that I met in 3rd grade, played hopscotch with in the school yard, went to my first school dance with, picked up first when I got my driver's license. She is the friend who cooked for me and comforted me when my little brother died in a car accident. Who stood up for me at my wedding, and who I stood up for, in return. We have shared the joy of 5 perfect babies between us, and she honored me with being the Godmother of her firstborn. She is the friend I talk to almost every day about all the little things that make a life, and is who I always expected would be the old lady by my side, making mischief together.

Thankfully, after a week in the hospital, she is now at home again. She is on the road to recovery, but it will be a long road, with many ups and downs. While her heart will heal, the biggest hurdle lies in her mind. How does one get past something like that? Wondering what lies ahead? The fear of leaving your children motherless in the blink of an eye?

I am hoping the answer to that, is love. She has an amazing support system of family and friends. The days have been filled with a rhythm of visits, cooking, scheduling, driving kids, hugs, crying.

So. I am tired. Sad. Scared. Relieved. Thankful. In short: a basket case!

What does one do when life comes apart at the seams? Piece it back together.

So, my crafting time will be limited for the next while. Just making a quilt for my friend. If you don't hear much from me, don't sweat it! I haven't had the time to respond to e-mails and comments like I normally like to do, but have appreciated them all. I am still looking forward to the quilt along, but will generally be spending my time where I am needed, as long as I am needed. Because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, I could count on her to do the same for me and my family if the situation were reversed.