I thought I would write a personal post today for you, my kick-ass readers! This weekend was a particularly special weekend for me. I met a woman who I had never met before, but have become very close to over the last year via email and who I consider to be one of my best friends. Her name is Jessica and she lives in Atlanta, Georgia which is 1000 miles away from where I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jess taught a class called “environmental sustainability” at Oregon State where my boyfriend, Danny, attended college and eventually had Jess as a teacher. They weren’t friends at school, but Jess had a couple of questions about Hillel that Danny ran and contacted him.
Last fall, Jess emailed Danny to see how he was doing and catch up. They talked and Danny found out that Jess’ father had stage IV colorectal cancer that radiation and chemotherapy had done nothing to fix. As some of you may or may not know, I lost my mother to brain cancer just 3 years ago. Danny knows that I am always willing to help people and so gave Jess my email just in case she had any questions or wanted someone to scream at who would understand. I got an email from Jess and we’ve never stopped talking. We shared our experiences, helped each other through tough memories, laughed, cried, you name it!
It’s been nice to know someone who I can call and gush over a cute bride/mother interaction that I see during a wedding. Jess can listen and not say anything at all and that means the world to me. She doesn’t feel bad for me, she just gets it. Almost anyone who has been forced to have their mother or father (or both) ripped away from them 4o+ years before they were supposed to knows what I mean.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
On August 28th of this year Jess’ father, Tom, passed away. Last Thursday was her birthday, so we thought we should meet in person on her birthday weekend. I had a photo shoot on Saturday and so Jess and her boyfriend, Travis, flew up here to see us. It was so great meeting you in person, Jess! I only wish we lived closer together. Both of them had never been to Boston before so we took them on a whirlwind tour!
We hit up Faneuil Hall of course where Jess tried an authentic cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and Boston Creme donut.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
On Sunday (today) we went for a nice walk in the Harvard Arboretum and showed off our ever-lingering fall leaves.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
It was so great to finally meet Jess (and Trav!) in person. She has made a difference in my life and I am so happy to have been able to connect with her. I can only hope that I’ve helped her in the same way that she has helped me. It is nice to think that if my mother and Jess’ father are looking down on us, they are proud of this connection that without their encounter with the big C, would never have happened.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
This is an amazing story Alex. I am so happy that you have made such a hard-hitting connection and brought it into your life in such a real and inspiring way. Everything happens for a reason, and everyone enters our life with a purpose. Jess seems like an amazing girl, best wishes to all and may your friendship blossom. plus, everyone should experience a Boston cream in Boston.
This is a great post, Alex… I didn’t realize you lost your mom to brain cancer. Tim’s mom passed away when he was a kid, also from brain cancer… I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is for him sometimes, so it’s great you’ve found support and kinship with Jess. Good for you both!
Awesome! I am glad you had a great time with your friend. I think this story shows what a great person you are.
Al,
This is a fabulous post. Being one of the other’s that’s had a Parent taken from them far far too early, I hear you. It’s hard to find others to share that connection with..and “just get it”. I’m so happy that you got to meet, it’s amazing! I love these type of stories, as bittersweet as they can be, congrats!
xox
Alex,
You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. When I count my blessings I am so thankful you are in my life.
Thanks for sharing.
Love,
Sheryl
Wow what a touching story!