Sadly cancer has taken a beautiful friend

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How do we value friends ?

Is it the expensive wine they bring out for a weekend drink.

Or the top brand filtered coffee served with delicious well known bakery treats.

Well some people may value their friends that way.

But I don't !

I have met my friends from many different paths that I have travelled along this journey we call 'life '

But I met this one particular friend when we became neighbours.

The early 1980's , it would have been.

Our children were roughly the same age.

The relationship as neighbours was fun and friendly.

Luckily our dividing fence was not too high, as it was easier to pass the drinks or cakes and biscuits across to either side.

So over many years we sat on our steps and chatted and laughed about lifes happenings.

The summer evenings often called for a neighbourhood game of tennis.

So the older kids would grab their bikes and head off to unlock the gates at the  tennis courts ,while we packed some drinks, munchies and the all important racquets and followed on in the cars.

The kids would either play on a court or hit balls on the brick wall. Trucks and cars were also a favourite to play with in the sand.

With a toss of the coin the adults game of tennis would begin. Hubby and I against our neighbours.

And very soon the action of the power game had commenced. It would be like my friends hubby  and I were not even on the court. The two of us were lucky to even be able to attempt to hit the wildly flying tennis ball.

We just watched the entertainment unfold. 

It was an all out show of power between male and female

The game generally only stopped when darkness had arrived . But these nights were filled with much merriment. 

And the very well placed tennis ball, courtesy of the game skills of my friend. It was never about who was the best or strongest player , but only about friends having some fun.

If a game of tennis was not on the agenda, then possibly it would be french cricket in the back yard. And the standard rule was over the fence and you are out. And how many times did the ball go over the fence and roll down the hill.  So glad the kids could run fast and grab the ball before it went down the storm water drain.

It was a fun neighbourhood with everyone looking out for each other.

My dear friend loved her garden gnomes, but one night they were abducted.

Yes, ourselves and some other neighbours  snuck out during the night and confiscated said gnomes, and held them to ransom.  

The next morning passing cars were obeying the sign to “toot “. There was much laughter and fun and all gnomes were returned unharmed.

Over all the years my wonderful friend never changed.

Birthdays were always remembered and new family members were welcomed like they were longtime friends. The arrival of all our grandchildren was met with a well written card and beautiful gift. Every time I visited she was interested to know how everyone in the family was going and what our grandchildren were up to.

Her sense of humour was infectious

Her laughter was always honest and so welcoming .

And her quick wit never faltered.

She remained true to her upbringing.

Faithful to her husband. 

And dedicated to her children and grandchildren.

Always willing to offer help or advice to any of her friends .

Just recently she rang me and invited us around for a meal with the words

“ I know you are having such an awful time at present so please come around for tea. It is not much, just quiche and salad, but you need cheering up and I want to do this small thing for you “

That was what she was like.

Even suffering the ravages of cancer , she was still helping people.

Never sitting and feeling sorry for herself.

She has battled this awful scourge with such resilience and stamina you would believe that she was going to beat it.

But cancer , and the powers that be, had other ideas

Sadly the last time I saw my friend she was really suffering. She was not laughing as much and admitted when asked “ How are you today “ Not good !!

And you knew that she was not good !!

No one ever wants to see a family member or friend battle this disease but if it happens and if they fight anywhere near half as good as Terri has , then they are winners.

One day there will be a cure, which will be too late for our friend. But through her fundraising she has contributed to finding a solution to ending this horrid and growing problem.

All her friends and family would much rather have her still here on earth but she will be forever ,everyones gaurdian angel.

I know she will be looking down and clapping and shouting in support of all her grandchildrens achievments. She was a very proud Nana and loved her grandchildren unconditionally.

She will be guiding us through our difficulties and having a laugh at our silly mistakes.

You have shown us all how to value life .

You have loved and been loved

Fly gracefully to the next life and free of pain beautiful lady