a little favor

Hershey bar snowmen,handmade by Louise.

My 82 year old neighbor and long time friend Louise recently got some bad news about her health. For a woman who charges through life taking no prisoners, slowing down and receiving support has been quite disorienting. I see a lot of myself in her. As she now challenges her old way of navigating the world I know in my heart what a difficult process it must be. Asking for help can be brutal.

I got my first "Louise hug" last night. I've know Louise for almost 10 years and in that time I have not hugged her once. Not even when her husband died. I gotta say, it was one of the best hugs of my life. So full of sweetness and love, a lifetimes worth really, finally being released.

Louise starts her first round of chemo today. She's putting on a brave face but I know behind the tough front she's as terrified as anyone in her situation.

I wondered if you all might take a minute today and send Louise some good energy. A wave of love, healing thoughts, a prayer. She could really use it.