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My mind is still reeling from a scary, shocking, upsetting and yet memorable weekend. My dear friend Allan is in the ICU at UCLA Medical Center, after suffering an aneurysm in his brain Friday. Allan has been married for nine years to my oldest friend, Michele, who is handling this shocking event with unbelievable strength and grace. I was completely useless all weekend, incapable of focusing on much else as I kept a tense vigil by the phone, waiting for news and fielding calls from concerned friends.
Though I recognize there's little anyone can do for her in this early stage, being 600 miles away from your best friend of 20 years while she's coping with a traumatic, frightening experience is simply an awful feeling. I realize even our local friends can't do much for her, yet I ache to be with her, if only to put an arm around her shoulders. Meanwhile, there won't be any definitive word on Allan's long-term prognosis for several days, though doctors expect a slow recovery. Thankfully, Allan and Michele are surrounded by family and friends and are lucky enough to have a support system around them unlike anything I could venture to illustrate.
Most of you don't know Allan or Michele, so I will leave details at that and ask you to please keep them in your thoughts. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how events like this shake you up, giving you reason to truly appreciate your good fortune and marvel at life's little miracles.
Before hearing of the news Friday evening, I was one glass of red wine deep into what I expected would be a somewhat dull but instead turned out to be a highly enjoyable holiday party. Beyond that, there are happier details of my weekend to share (as well as plenty of cringe-worthy items of the political kind threatening to erupt inside me), but those will wait until I'm in a frame of mind more appropriate for my usual blathering. For now, please pray for my friends and take a moment to embrace those you love.
Posted by ayelet at December 13, 2004 11:57 AMMy little brother had an aneurysm when he was 17. I know how jarring and scary such an experience can be. I wish you the best, and I wish your friends Allan and Michelle the best as well.
Posted by: James at December 14, 2004 07:27 AMoh, sweetie.. i'm so sorry. Let me tell you this. The fact that he is alive is a wonderful blessing. I can only hope his quality of living is as normal as if it never happened, but truly someone up there wanted him to stay on this earth and accomplish more. I have to be positive about that.
You know I embrace my truest love here every day, while missing my other one... but we're thinking about you, Allan & Michelle. You call me if you need an ear or anything at all, ok? Many warm hugs & wonderful healing thoughts.
-Aviva
So sorry to hear about your friend. I'll send as many good thoughts their way as I can.
Posted by: Jackie at December 13, 2004 03:13 PM