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.
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.
31 comments:
Wow, Kristie, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, but I'm glad to hear she's on the mend and that she's got wonderful friends in her life, like you. Your stack for her looks just lovely, can't wait to see how it turns out. Hugs :)
Oh no!! I am so sorry to hear this about your friend. I am glad she is at home recovering. Hugs to you :)
Hugs to you and your dear friend, Kristie! I lost my mom to a heart attack, two days after her 50th birthday. I'm so glad that your friend is recovering! I'll be thinking of you both.
Oh, that is scary and sad....and happy that she is recovering. We do take our health for granted, until something wakes us up!
So sorry to hear about your friend. So scary! Hope she is doing well.
It's so scary to think about, and I'm glad she has loved ones to support her in her recovery. A quilt will be just the thing to give her comfort.
Big ((HUGS)) to you and your friend. No doubt that love will conquer. Smiles~Beth
Hope your friend recovers well. So scary. I can sympathize with how you're feeling...less than a week ago, a close friend's 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Hard to wrap your head around stuff like that.
I'm sure your friend will appreciate the quilt. That's a lovely idea.
Kristie so sorry to hear that - scary and frightening stuff - but glad to hear she is on the mend and that she has someone to look out for her too. x
oh no kristie, that is so shocking. I hope things mend completely for her.
The positive is (in my experience) that you value even more what you knew you already had and sweating the little stuff is not as important. It makes you more appreciative and in a weird way you end up feeling 'lucky' that you came through the other side.
Those are my deep and meaningful thoughts for the day.
I wish her well.
Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry! You have an amazing friendship, it's great that you realize that.
(And I can't wait to see the quilt!)
What a shock. You are exactly right, it seems the mental hurdle would be just as challenging as the physical healing. What a wonderful friendship you've got to carry you both through this. I wish her very well and look forward to your return when you can squeeze it in - you are definitely needed elsewhere!
Kristie - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Life is full of crazy curve-balls, isn't it? The one good thing about them is that they bring us back to what's most important in life. Your friend is lucky to have you. Best wishes to you both.
PS. Your MBS post was adorable!
wow...what good news to know she is recovering. that is so scary. i hope that you two get some good time together, and that you enjoy the project you are making for her.
That's so scary, Kristie. I'm so glad your friend is okay. Your friend is lucky to have you in her life!
It seems this is the week for bad news. I pray your friend will make a full recovery and know that with a lovely friend like you, she will be well on the way to a great emotional recovery, too. This was a lovely post and tribute to a friendship.
What a scary event for your friend and for you. Things like this really make us think about what is important in life.
Your friend is home , she is recovering and she has a great friend in you in addition to the rest of the people around her. I am hoping for a speedy recovery because I suspect you two have lots more mischief in you yet.
Thinking of you and your friend at this difficult time - I'm sure she feels very lucky to have your support.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. But she is lucky to have such a great friend like you! I hope she continues to improve and quickly.
she is on my prayer list. also, i will be praying for you, that you know how to encourage her. it's wonderful that she has a good support system!
I'm thinking of you and your friend, Kristie.
you don't know me.....this is my first time to your blog from your moda tutorial. Which was great BTW.
I just wanted to wish you and your friend well. i turn 37 in November and was only talking to my husband about it tonight. it's interesting how we always believe a thing like that happens to someone else!?. take care of each other.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend, but glad that she is ok. My friend passed away last year at 43, leaving behind 2 young sons, who were best friends with my two sons - very sad and shocking, and it turned my world upside down for a long time.
Oh my goodness, Kristie, that's unbelievable. Such a shocking thing to happen to someone so young. I hope her recovery is smooth and she is up and about soon. She's a lucky girl to have such caring friends and family!
I cannot imagine...hugs and prayers and super huge healing vibes her way!!!!!!
Praying for a speedy recovery for your friend. Hugs.
Wow! I can't even begin to imagine how scary and emotional that must have been! So glad your dear friend is doing better and on the road to recovery. Will be sending positive energy her way!
So sorry to hear. My husband had a heart attack 11 months ago at age 43 - also totally unexpectedly. Today is he doing well - happy and healthy. Be encouraged - cardiac medicine has come SO far. She'll be well monitored and well taken care of and will be just fine. Hugs!!!
What a shock!
Wishing your friend all the very best.
Wishing you peace, and a speedy and full recovery for your friend.
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