A Big Bloggy Bubble of Love

When I started writing this blog last May, I had very few expectations. I thought that it would be fun. I thought that it would be a wonderful way to express myself. A way for me to hone my writing. To vent. Maybe, someday, eventually, it would be profitable (yeah, right!).

What I never expected, was that I would become part of a community. A rather amazing community. A community of people who have never met each other, who have never spoken to each other, who live all around the world, but who share their lives and joys and fears in amazing and intimate detail. And daily, I am amazed by the support and affirmation I receive from this crazy community.

Just Friday, I came home from Jude's Cub Scout meeting in tears, convinced that I was a dreadful mother, who had permanently scarred her child through her irresponsible and thoughtless parenting. But alas, after pouring my heart out in a blog post, you people really, truly made me feel better, and helped me to remember that every parent goes through similar lapses, and that every child survives them, and you both grow stronger because of them. Did I thank you all for this? No, I don't think I did. Well...thank you. Sincerely.

Now, one of our own is going through a difficult experience. First, please, read this. Now, take a deep breath, and get yourself together. Yes, the amazing and inspirational Becky of Suburban Matron has been diagnosed with "low to intermediate grade""ductal carcinoma in situ" and "infiltrating ductal carcinoma". Until now (thank the Lord) I had no idea what this meant. But basically, it boils down to...breast cancer. It is, however, from what I understand, just a little bit of cancer. I know, that's like saying "a little bit pregnant", but really, she's been told it's very early, and her prognosis is excellent. Today, she and Matt are meeting with the surgeon to make a plan of attack. Lumpectomy? Probably. While I feel confident that she will be fine, it is nonetheless, an extremely frightening and serious experience.

When I first heard about all this, I was profoundly moved and concerned. While I've never actually met Becky in real life, I feel as though she's a good friend. She's been an incredible help and support for me, given me advice and let me ask her stupid blogging questions. She was one of the first bigger bloggers to "take notice" of me, and add me to her blogroll. I LOVE her writing. And more? I just love her. And if you read the earlier link that you were supposed to read, you know that she is handling this difficult time with extraordinary poise and grace. Just what you'd expect.

What to do, what to do? My first instinct was to either babysit Hank and Laura, or make her a ham. But since she lives on the other side of the country from me, neither of these seemed practical. So instead, I went out and, in a show of solidarity, bought a throw pillow for myself. here it is...

On sale at Pier One. Which I thought Becky would appreciate. Because Becky loves her some throw pillows.

Okay, maybe that wasn't so practical either.

So here's the plan...we'll all start to pray. Or send the white light, if you prefer. If we all pray and hold Becky and her family in our thoughts, we can sort of wrap her in a big bloggy bubble of love and support. A big, invisible bubble of healing energy and strength. I have a really, very strong belief in the power of prayer and focusing energies. So do it...NOW!

And if you want to show your support for Becky by going out and buying yourself a throw pillow? Go for it.

Oh, and also...FEEL YOUR BOOBIES! Because there, but for the grace of God, go I, people. 1 in 8 of us, baby, 1 in 8.

We love you Becky.

________________________________________

And in an off the subject, and shockingly selfish postscript...You still have time to take the Gretchen Birthday Quiz and enter the giveaway for some gorgeous earrings...here.

Comments

[Amy]

Gretchen, you're a peach! Thank you. :) We appreciate your prayers so much. And that is a really pretty pillow. xoxo

[Michele]

Thank you so much for posting this you summed up perfectly how I too feel about Becky and all my other blog friends. That is a gorgeous pillow and I think Becky would love it.

[Michele Renee]

Gretchen,
What a wonderful post and I agree you really expressed how we all felt. I am coveting your pillow. Would look perfect on our family room.
I have never felt my boobs as much as the past few days.

[Sarah at themommylogues]

Am I the only one who thinks the pillow looks like boobs? It could just be my pregnant-ness, since things are getting a little out of control in that department. I would love that pillow because people would tell me how pretty it was, and I would giggle to myself like a junior high boy. Boobs. Heh.

Praying for Becky! Early detection is what it's all about!

[Kristie]

I am going out to buy that throw pillow today and praying as I go! Thanks Gretchen!

[Sprite's Keeper]

Why feel a pillow when I have two of my own? ;-)
I went over to send my support and will do my self-check!

[Amy]

Gretchen, this was a wonderful, wonderful post. I don't even need a throw pillow -- well, lord yes I do, but I am not brave about buying them -- but I think I'm going to go to Pier 1 to see if I can find this one. Maybe it's silly. But I like the idea, that it will remind me of Becky, and of my bloggie friends, and of (thank you Sarah) boobs, which I should check more regularly. And you're right: it's an amazing community.

[Jenni]

She does love her some shopping, that Becky. So glad you posted this.

[Shelby]

I too have been the recepient of bloggy love, and you're right, it's amazing. Thank you for the link and I'll definitely be sending prayers and bloggy love of my own.

[Maureen@IslandRoar]

Just came back from Becky's place. Thanks for sending us there; you are truly a good friend. All we can really do in life is pass it on.

[Amy]

LOL it does look like boobs! I thought that too when I saw it, which makes it all the more appropriate! :)

[becky]

You are a doll Gretchen. Thank you so much for this post. I love you and I love your blog too! You were my great find of 2009! :)

First of all, the pillow is adorable. It looks great in that spot.

Second, I got back from my day-long appointment and took a big nap. I don't know a whole lot more than I did, except this is looking less simple. I still know that I'm going to be fine, though. I'll update everybody soon. I am so wiped out, mentally.

Thanks for the prayers and good wishes guys! I can feel the love and it means the world to me.

[Jack Parkin]

Gretchen,

You might enjoy reading my wife's recently published book, "Second Blooming for Woman, Growing a Life That Matters After Fifty." Her web site, www.secondbloomingforwomen.com, has an extractand other info.

[Gretchen]

Yall are absolutely right. It does look like boobs, and it WILL make me think of Becky, and it WILL remind me to feel my boobies.

Gretchen
www.secondblooming.typepad.com

[elizabeth]

Count me in on the big bloggy or is that blobby bubble of love. I'm praying for her. Also, a good friend of mine had the exact same thing two years ago. She is FINE, FINE, FINE. Scary experience but FINE. Blessings to you for bringing this to our attention!

[Bonnie]

Whew. I came to your blog to say that, in addition to the inedible olive green omelet, Ellen and I did sip a little dry sherry (we added sugar to it) that long ago weekend, but found your post on blog friends and Becky. I have met some great friends since I started blogging. I never knew cyberfriendships could be so gratifying! And, I'm glad to meet Becky. My own niece was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37. She was the first woman in both sides of my family to have breast cancer. She noticed the problem on Sunday, had a biopsy on Monday and a mastectomy on Tuesday. Lucky for her, she didn't have to wait what must be the longest wait. Those events occurred almost two years ago. She opted to have chemo and did very well with that. She is back to work full time (she's a facial surgeon) and enjoying life with her husband and two little girls. I wish the same path for Becky healing and will send kind healing thoughts her way.

Best,
Bonnie

[Esmeralda]

God, I hope she has health insurance. Lots of Love to her and her family.