Snap out of it

I have a friend who is sick. I don't speak to her often and so I didn't know she was sick until her husband told me. She is home now from a 2 week stint in the hospital. I spoke to her husband today, I have known them a long time, we have been through a few things together over the years. I wanted to sweep in and be philosophical for them, to tell them if this is the time you have left or whatever then rejoice in it. We have no time, we run out of time slowly or quickly. I have not lost a friend my own age since car accidents in high school and chronic illness in college of a person merely on the periphery of my experience. I have lost my mother and adult friends my parents age. I am putting you on notice. We are going to start losing people, it could be you, it could be me, it could be your sister. This is the wake up call I got so long ago after my mother died. Quit fucking around and rejoice in this life. Don't worry, put on a few pounds, enjoy flowers, hug everyone even if you feel uncomfortable about it. One day you will go to a place where there is no one left to hug and then what. I am not brave in the face of fearful situations and cancer is scary but have you ever noticed how everything melts away in your own worried life when you stop to help someone who needs a little help? Right now I am texting my friend and I am telling her to enjoy every breathe and I am going to do the same and you should too. Who knows what tomorrow brings.