Her Story Too

Following on from Her Story (The last three years have actually been like a soap opera)

I remember the day in question as clearly as if it was yesterday.

It started out as a perfectly normal October day until I received a telephone call from Amanda.
Now Amanda and I have seen each other regularly ever since we met on my birthday back in March 2014, whilst we were both having our chemotherapy session. We have seen each other on a weekly basis when circumstances have allowed us to (we both seem to now take more holidays than previously), and if we haven't been able to meet up, we have called each other for a chat.

So, going back to the phone call. As soon as I said 'Hello Amanda', her words were 'I've got some bad news, I'm dying'. That was it, no sugar coating the issue, no idle chit chat beforehand. As far as bad news went, this ranked No 1 in the 'Top 10 things you never want to hear' list. This pushed the previous two bad news phone calls, both brain tumour related, to the bottom of that same list.
Devastated beyond words doesn't even begin to describe how I felt to hear those words coming from this lady who had become one of my closest friends.

Last Christmas was tinged with immense sadness, knowing that it was likely to be the last Christmas that Amanda would be with us. I know that none of us know when our time is up or even if this year will be mine or a loved ones last Christmas but actually being told that you have months left to live and not years is quite fearful by anybody's standards.

Being given this news, many people would have curled up in a corner and cried and been full of self pity but not Amanda. This very special lady organised a pre funeral celebration of her life as she wanted all her many friends and family to be left with a lasting happy memory of her. Ever since that dreadful day, Amanda has spent the last 12 months enjoying life, meeting up with her friends for long walks and lunch dates, enjoying holidays and generally just spending time with the people she loves and cares about.

And now here we are, the last year has flown by again, which should be a reminder for everyone, that life is so very precious. We should all love our families, love our friends and never take our health for granted. Long may Amanda and I remain in good health and the best of friends.