After reading the post about losing my friend Ginger, another friend of mine commented that ‘her long time in remission has to be a triumph of its own’. Well yes, absolutely. And it made me realize that I left out one of the most remarkable aspects of Ginger’s story. Just prior to her diagnosis, Ginger, recently divorced, had travelled to Israel and met the man who would become her second husband. Post diagnosis, she experienced almost a second lifetime, one very full of joy. When I met her she was recently widowed and embarking on yet another chapter.
Ginger’s life was inspirational/aspirational for me. And although the details differed, she provided me with a role model of what could be if I only had the courage to really go for it.
I’m not talking about cancer here, but rather my divorce. It’s not an experience that I’ve shared very much about but it was hands down one of the bravest things I’ve ever done.
When I tell people I am recently divorced they say they are sorry. Well, I’m not. It requires a lot of hope, faith and optimism to start over when you have cancer, but it was something that needed to happen and honestly, if I was strong enough to do this, I can do anything.
I gained so much from my friendship with Ginger and I shall miss her so, so much. My last email from her was a month ago and it sort of captures the essence of our friendship—a little bit of cancer, a whole lot of caring:
I saw you all over the Globe. Good article, but you are so much better in person! 🙂
Good luck to Peter!
I went in for chemo yesterday and they sent me home- too weakened. But I will try to build myself up again. It’s partially the blasted antibiotic until next Sat. Just went down on the bicycle. Have to try.
Have you tried a dating site yet?
Much love back, g
____________ ❤
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 