I have a friend from high school that is an honorary sister. My Dad used to always refer to her as his "other daughter". Which is a good thing, considering her relationship with her own mother was less than rewarding.
I think everyone in our high school group has a story about Helen (the mother) wigging out on us for various reasons. Some mildly entertaining, some just embarrassing, and at least a couple of them involving our own parents giving Helen an earful about how inappropriate she was to us and her daughter.
Turns out that Helen had some mental health issues that came to attention in the 90's, which explained a lot.
And now Helen is sick with cancer. My friend is on her way right now to California because Helen's doctors say she only has a few days left. I called my parents yesterday to let them know, partly because my friend should be contacting while she's in town, and partly because I know both my parents want to be there to support her through this.
While on the phone with my Dad I started crying. Which makes me wonder. Is it just because I have a tendency to cry at the drop of a hat? Do I feel actual grief for this woman who made me crazy during adolesence and young adulthood? Or am I just hurting for my friend, whose emotional rollercoaster ride is bound to be conflicted?
I guess it's all part of the human condition. Whatever the reason I feel the way I do, my heart goes out to my buddy. She'll get through this with the strength she's demonstrated in the over twenty years I've known her. I love you, Dude.
