She Threw A Surprise Party For Her Best Friend The Night Before Chemotherapy Began

Saye and Moira are best friends. Moira was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer recently. And what did Saye do? She turned up the love. She even threw a surprise party for Moira the night before her chemotherapy began. She wanted to shower Moira with love before her heartless journey.

The night of the party, friends chauffeured Moira down Saye’s long, wooded driveway while we waited on her front lawn. Moira opened the car door and stepped into love. There were cheers and noise makers all around her. When we settled down, I took in the atmosphere. Saye considered every detail, everything that says comfort. There was warm cider on the porch set beside a clutch of rockers. In the front yard a fire pit, circled by low slung Adirondack chairs, cast the gentle glow of an aging campfire.

Stepping inside her home I saw flowers and candles and low lighting in the hall and dining room. Nearly everyone chose the large, open kitchen to gather. Unlike most parties where I live, this one was filled with easy people, real food and folk art. Everyone made an effort to smile and be upbeat. To be fully engaged in the gathering. I didn’t hear gossip or a single sad word.

Moira is a unique woman, pure joy and easy-going. I see a radiant smile and feel her goodness whenever I am with her. Saye is dauntless enthusiasm, a red-headed warrior. Saying no to Saye is a complete waste of your time because she’ll keep on with whatever she’s up to. This party was her way of honoring Moira and saying charge on, never say never.

Saye and Moira are spectacular together. They will be best friends for life.  Between the two of them, it is not about winning or losing this fight against breast cancer. It is about a friendship that transcends everything with their combined humanity and fierce goodness. It’s what the power of love does and means.

A year later–Moira is in remission.  I think Saye had a hand. She knows love heals.