Not to crash the thread, because Nora, I really do feel for you, but I just found out my best friend has cancer. Non-hodgkins lymphoma, an easily treatable and battleable one. But man, did I ever pick a crappy time to fuck off to the other side of the world. He's going to be okay. Jesus, I miss him right now, though.

{{{{Nora}}}}

{{{{SA}}}}

May both of your friends battle their respective illnesses and come out better on the other side.

Poor Nora, how yuckful for you. I can tell you it's hard to hear the "my life sucks and yours doesn't" routine, especially when it's used as an excuse for sheer meanness. Good on you for having tried, though. It counts, even if Friend doesn't seem to appreciate it. If I were in your shoes, I think I'd skip the visit and stick to e for the nonce.

In that vein, I present my latest kitty story: Gracie the aged rescue kitty is still cranky and hard to get along with. This morning I gave her a gentle pet and she growled and swiped at me (fortunately, never any claws). I think she has arthritic pain, so I cut her some slack on that annoying behavior. I went off to brush my teeth, and just for a moment, felt something soft brush against my ankle and looked down just in time to see Gracie hobbling away. She never did that before. Somehow I found this more touching than I do the easy and more lavish affections of the other cats. Just a tiny moment, but now I feel all validated in my efforts on her behalf.

How much did I love getting to see Emmett's huge grin as he held his baby sister? Lots!

SA, yikes! Which friend?

Steph, it's Krys. I got to talk to him today for awhile, and he's holding up well, but I miss him something fierce.

new niecphews!

(Nora) How horrible for you. And for her as well, I suspect but still...

(SA) I hope the battle is brief and quite successful for your friend.

Aww, KB, first affections from the skittish are such lovely moments. Go, Gracie, for realizing a good thing when she rescues you.

Steph, it's Krys.

Oh, god DAMN. (I mean, I would feel the same way no matter who it was, but I feel like I know Krys, even though I never met him.) I'm glad it's something as easily treatable as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but still -- that fucking sucks donkey cocks.

Health~ma for SA's friend, and lots of punctuation to SA.

Mental health~ma for Nora's friend along with plenty of punctuation to Nora. It may give your friend a useful reality check to say something along the lines of "I care so deeply about you that when I read x email, I was concerned you might be suicidal, and I would hate to see you give up on life when depression is so treatable. Yes, you are suffering from depression, and I hope you find a way to get the treatment you need. But when you say ____ and ____ to me, it's abusive, and I can't accept being treated that way. Your life is ultimately your responsibility, so you will get help when you are ready. If and when you are ready for my support, I'll be here." Not recommending cutting and running here, just taking a break so as not to reinforce her bad behavior, if that makes sense.

Yeah. It does. He's already battled a major heart condition, too, almost four years ago now. There was heart surgery then, and a year of recovery. To have to do another round of hospitals and treatment...it's just a kick in the balls from life. But if anyone can do it, he can.

Oh, SA, that's so tough. Much ~ma to your friend...and to you too.