This one is for Amy...

Amy has been a good friend of mine for many many years. I met Amy when I was in gradeschool, very early in gradeschool, when the most important thing seemed to be recess, monkeybars, the sandbox, and dodging the icky boys who picked on us.

We grew up, went to junior high and highschool. Icky boys became the boys we tried to be noticed by, concerns about recess turned into concerns about grades and the circle of friends hanging in the quad. There were some hard times, some stupid arguements among "the group" but all in all we've always stayed friends. She's gone through some relationships, I went to her wedding, she's had children since I've last seen her, and many other things have happened in our lives.

I got an email from her today, news about her dad. He's been sick with cancer for a while now and has been in the hospital. Now, he is being sent to a hospice because there isn't much more that can be done for him.

I have always adored Amy's parents and her family. Her parents have always been very loving and hospitable from when we were a rowdy bunch of pre-teens and teenagers. Now, someone whom I feel I've known forever, but haven't seen in years, is being quietly let go. Amy came to me not knowing what to do, and the wonderful dear didn't want to message me at work. I saw her online and messaged her, but it wasn't her, it was her mom.

I talked to mama hartwell for a while (have called her mama hartwell for years because of how much she has always meant to all of us kids) and shared my sympathies for her. I barely knew what to say to her, and hope that she does come to me and that Amy comes to me if they need to talk. Even though I haven't seen either of them for years, they've been like family to me.

This is gonna crush Misty, she was closer to Amy and her family than I. I'm gonna call her about it later tonight when she's done with work.

Sending good thoughts and energy to Amy and all of her family.

Take care of yourselves.