My friend, Becky, was diagnosed with breast cancer while I was in Florida. The chemo cap I was making was the first in a bunch made just for her. When I washed and blocked it, I was a little unhappy with it so I washed and blocked it again. I then took it to work and laid on her desk.
Becky's chemo cap
She had her first chemo treatment a week prior and was feeling poorly so she was home. We texted and confirmed our plans for the state fair $2 Food Tuesday the next week. We try and hit the fair each year, especially when deep-fried fair food is $2. Last year, we waddled back to the car, groaning. But it was worth it!
The next day, she was gone.
My dear friend had a heart attack, possibly due to the chemo.
Becky and I had worked together for 11 years and were friends for almost all of those years. She went along with my harebrained schemes (Let's ride a pedal pub in 100 degree weather! Let's take a brewery tour of Indianapolis in a snow storm!) and we did an awful lot together outside of work. She was my fellow knitter - someone who I could show my work to and get advice. Someone who went yarn shopping just to squeeze new arrivals of Malabrigo. I often knit things for her for Christmas, because I knew full well she wouldn't knit stuff for herself, choosing instead to knit for her great nieces. I even bought her squishy sock yarn, needles and a sock pattern for her birthday last year - asking her to make something nice for herself. I don't think she did, but the girls were getting legwarmers.
I did not get to say good-bye. My last words were "Take a nap. See you tomorrow."
Her absence left a very large hole in my life. I hope she is feeling wonderful, knitting up a storm (for herself!) and at peace.
Handlebar in scorching weather
At Oliver Winery
At Upland Brewery with Susan
At Anderson Brewfest
