A Pall of Sadness During the Holiday Joy

I am deeply saddened by some recent developments. My best friend's sister-in-law has been gravely ill with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome since before Thanksgiving. She has been in a drug-induced coma since then, but was expected to recover, albeit at a very slow pace. I just learned that the doctors have stated that the only thing keeping her alive now is the ventilator. The family is going to say goodbye, then take her off the machines.

I am so sad for the entire family. The woman is only 40 and has a husband and two pre-teen children. During my single years, I went to all of the family events, birthdays, holidays, etc. Since I've been married, I haven't attended as frequently, but still see everyone on a regular basis. We all went to high school together and played in band. Yes, we were all band geeks.

My best friend is a rock, and I am sure she will help everyone pull through this horrible, untimely death. However, I worry about her. To whom can she turn to express her grief? I hope she will let me be her rock. She is always so supportive of me. When I was going through my diagnostic process and the diagnosis itself, she was my rock. She offered quiet sympathy without drama, you know? She just took everything in stride and made light of the funny parts of it, especially the way I walked during my flare.

Dear readers, please send your positive energy, good thoughts or prayers (you choose) to this family in their time of loss.

Peace,
Kelley