Some people seem so very full of life, that it is difficult to imagine them sick. Impossible to really. So the news of a friend's illness has hit me like a punch to the stomach.
There probably isn't a northern blogger that hasn't been touched by Indigo. She's had a long friendship with most of us, and an even longer friendship with the north. She's lived, worked, nursed and touched hearts here for a long time.
We've never met, but she is a fast friend. Without warning a package from her will appear at the post office. Care packages with exotic dark organic chocolate. Old books, magazines and ephemera from the Arctic, from Arctic Bay, from the world, would land on our doorstep. Heck I have old Arctic Bay pennants that she sent me, just because.
She shares my love of Mondays, the promise that they bring. Unwaveringly positive, a world traveller. A world traveller of the road less taken. She is high on the list of close friends I've never met, who I want to meet and hang out with.
That meeting may still take place, I hope so. But it is at risk. Tonight her son posted on her facebook page that she has been in the hospital since Monday, diagnosed with extensive bone cancer and a failing liver. I read and re-read the status, unable to reconcile what I was reading and the person I've come to know and call a friend. Looking for a loophole, something that will make it different if I read it one more time.
I hope for the best, like I always hope for the best on that glorious day of promise, Mondays. Indigo, get your self well. We still need to meet.
Comments
6 responses
This was not news I wanted but thank you for telling us. I have also received care packages from this beautiful lady and wanted to meet her in person.
Clare that was beautiful, you should post it on her wall so her partner, son and all her friends can read it too. She has touched so many people. She truly is an inspiration, an amazing person. I did get to meet her when I was up north and she has always stuck in my mind has an amazing personality. One of those people you hardly ever meet in your lifetime. I look up to her strength. The world would be at a huge loss if it were missing her. Is it possible to send a huge energy ball of goodwill from everyone she has ever done a good deed for? Maybe we can send her some positive ju-ju. I hope so. I hope she gets better!
I too was shocked by the news, and while I have never meet Indigo in person either, I was touched by her as so many other ‘northerners’ have been’. Your post really was beautiful, and I’m sure Indigo and her family are taking comfort in knowing so many people are rooting for her.
Worst news ever.
Thanks for the lovely post, Clare. I have spent most of the day going between mad and sad. But I am also just so thankful that she has been part of our lives. She will always be someone that I will aspire to be like. She spreads joy and good, like it is pixie dust, everywhere she goes.
Fuck Cancer.
Friendship is made up of small acts of kindness…thank-you for sharing this!
Thanks all, as you know, after this the news just got worse.