This is a real story of a beautiful lady called Jane and even though I am a distant friend I am feeling sad. Writing helps me process my feelings.
Jane was first diagnosed with the worse kind of breast cancer more than 10 years ago and even though her chances at that time were slim, the intense chemotherapy worked. Due to her cancer Jane was never in remission, she was instead supported by the Oncologist and nursing staff in a palliative care mode. One chemo treatment a month kept her functioning very well for a lot of years. Jane led a very normal everyday life, making the most of each day with her amazingly supportive husband and 2 children.
Sadly a few months ago Jane was told that her cancer had come back. She immediately begun a tough regime of chemo but last month the tests found that the cancer had spread to her organs and Jane was given a couple of months to live. Then the worse news came, the cancer has gone into her brain and now she has days left. How many days, we do not know.
I am not visiting Jane, only her very close friends and family are with her. My job is to give love and support to those around her. Everyone needs a helping hand. I am sending prayers, love and light.
So reading your post Upside Down Smiles spurred me on to write on this topic. Right at this moment on this side of the world in Queensland it is very hard for this family and very close good friends to feel anything but complete and utter sadness. The joy of Christmas has been forgotten, only immense grief is felt at loosing the very lovely Jane. There is no smiling taking place.

Love and Blessings
Cheers - thank you for reading and for your support