Dear Fris’ body,
Hi! Remember me? I’m the sister-in-law of the woman whose body you provide. I’m the one who is a little flippant but nonetheless totally in awe of Fris and the way she’s handled a life filled with obstacles. I’m also the one who loves her little boys like my own, even if the older one is hyper enough to solve the world’s energy crisis.
You might also remember how ticked I was at you last time you tried to break down on Fris. You know, the time last year when you let her get meningitis, become unconscious and then linger on death’s doorstep for days all while Mr. Dub had finals? Yep, that’s me! I was the one threatening you, telling you I wouldn’t give my daughter Fris’ name as a second middle name if you took her away from me. And, trust me, it’s a coveted name spot.
I do want to thank you for rallying at the last minute, bringing Fris back from near death once again. I was not ready to let her go, and I dare not think how Mr. Dub would have taken it. We need Fris. She’s the Elmer’s glue in our family bag of school supplies. She holds us together even when we should be keeping her in tact.
You haven’t done the best job with her either. You let her get cancer at SEVEN months old. And you let her endure radiation that caused lifelong vision problems, and eventually brought cancer back to her 3 years ago. And you let something terrible happen – you let the cancer touch her optical nerve, forcing the doctors to perform surgery that left Fris blind with two young sons.
But you let her live. You fought the cancer. You helped her cope with her new, dark world. And you may or may not have encouraged her to have a positive attitude and good sense of humor about it all. (Is the humor bone part of the body or the spirit?)
Unfortunately, I can’t totally praise you. You let your guard down once again and it appears there is a lump growing in one of her lymph nodes. We don’t know what it is yet, but your track record isn’t good.
So make me a promise right here and now that it will be nothing. That Fris will be the first woman to have a Skittle spontaneously grow under her skin. That it will be a collection of scar tissue or dead skin or even a tiny little man named Tito with superpowers.
But don’t let it be … you know. I won’t say the word because it’s not going to be there. Right?
Glad I could clear that up. Also, it would be really sweet of you to avoid all flus, cold, brain drippage and any other painful ailment for the next 30-40 years. Thanks!
Your friend,
Mrs. Dub
p.s. Have you read Fris’ blog yet? It’s new so there are only a few posts, but it’s sure to be hilarious and touching. A dramedy if you will.
15 comments:
I second the prayer/wish/hope of a Skittle spontaneously growing under the skin!
I only met her a couple times, but in those few encounters she touched my life. She has an amazing spirit and I hope she is able to overcome this newest challenge. She'll be in my prayers.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
That's just dreadful. I think that her body better just suck it up and skittle-etize the lump, too.
there's no way she would remember this, but years ago i was at the right place at the right time and had the opportunity to visit her in the hospital after the birth of one of her boys. it was the first time i'd ever met her and i have a vivid recollection of thinking she was one of the strongest, most determined women i'd ever laid eyes on. it's amazing to think about the hardships she's endured and what she's accomplished in the face of them. beautiful post. i pray it will be good news.
tears.
inspirational and hysterical. i love the title!!!!
I frickin hate cancer.
HATE IT.
I believe in the power of "collective prayer". And I can see she has quite the collection going. Loved her blog. Laughed, cried and shook my fist a little . . . but just a little.
So . . . were you going to tell us she is a published author in the September Ensign or do I have to figure out everything for myself.
Three cheers for Fris! And even though you gave her body some tough love, we're all really praying that bod pulls through once again.
now i have one more "must read" everyday. she is one tough cookie, and i really really like cookies.
not to toot my own horn, but i just received word that fris got an earlier appointment at the doctor and - it's NOTHING! just a collection of calcified junk from an earlier surgery. hallelujah! i'm totally adding threatening notes to my fasting and prayer regime.
The positive outcome does nothing to lessen the poignancy of your beautiful post or Fris's remarkable will, life, and personality, which I, like others, know from limited personal experience and mostly second hand through Mr. & Mrs. Dub. The outcome also does nothing to lessen the likelihood that it was assisted by her faith and determination and the faith and prayers of her now even larger throng of admirers. Sometimes the miracle anticipates rather than follows the faith.
wow. wow. wow.
I'm glad it was nothing - and I don't even "know" her, besides NOW, through the wonderful world of blogging. thanks for sharing her. tears, yes.
Oh my goodness, I am so relieved to know that it was nothing to worry about...cancer scares are the absolute worst. I hope she'll be ok for a long, long time to come. great post, Mrs. Dub. I'd be shakin' in my boots if I were Fris' body.
I love my sister! Thanks for the awesome way you worded all that. I'm glad to have you as my sister-in-law, I only wish I had seen you more that once! =]
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