Fools for Love

It is a story most women know all too well.

It started last week with a mammogram that led to a ultrasound and resulted in a biopsy and another mammogram--all in the span of 4 hours. The initial path report looked favorable. Surgery was scheduled.

This afternoon a sweet friend of mine had a mass removed from one of her breasts. The outcome continues to look positive, but the experience has been unsettling...not faith rattling, just nerve wracking. The situation was intensified by the fact that her next door neighbor (a Mama of five) succumbed to breast cancer less than two weeks ago. Emotions were high.

My precious friend loves the people in her life well. She is an encouraging cheerleader, big on celebration and loving with all she's got. So, a group of women in her life asked: What would SHE do if WE were the ones with the fear and the lump?

The answer was whimsical encouragement in the form of balloons...held by cheering friends...in broad daylight...on busy street corners along the route between her house and the hospital. The goal was to send her into the experience knowing she was prayed for, cared about and cheered on.

We prayed at her house, gave hugs and well wishes before scattering around town to our stations. As I stood alone on my corner waiting for her to arrive I cringed. Drawing attention to myself like this is not my forte. I wanted to hide, but thinking about my friend having something to giggle about instead of worry made me stay. Even as a middle aged woman there is something to be said for being a fool for love. 

A friend and I mulled whether we were a bit over-the-top. We acknowledged that we were, but wholeheartedly agreed if we are going to be lavish, we want it to be with encouragement. If we are going to push the limits of cultural norms, we want it to be friendship. If we are going to be extravagant, may it be in love.

Reflecting later, we all agreed that the sunshine, the solo time waiting and thinking about our friend--even the honks and the puzzled looks by those passing by us in their cars--were the best way to spend our morning. It's hard to worry and fret about worst case scenarios when you are holding bright balloons in the sunshine! The laughter and energy committed to lifting up someone we loved were just as encouraging to us as they were to our friend.

And while I used to think the older women who wear purple clothes and red hats had taken it a bit too far...I am starting to come around to their way of thinking. Life's too short to waste much time trying to look cool.

This journey can be hard. Let's love one another with all we've got!