Chapter 27: Friends

 Jeremy is an introvert. So am I. But while I have, like, one high school friend on Facebook and pretty much have lost contact with everyone from college, he has many deep and lasting relationships.

This weekend he will be visited by a man who says Jeremy was his first friend, ever. The friend is driving all the way from Memphis to see him.

He had a visit from Kai, a German exchange student from their high school days, and they now FaceTime on a weekly basis.

He has kept in touch with his best man from Seattle.

He is deeply missed by his coworkers, who have stopped by to see him.

He has supportive friends from church who bring meals and pray for the family and come visit.

Next Sunday, in honor of his 51st birthday, friends have been invited to stop by for ice cream. It’s an open invitation and we are planning for 200 people. I hope it’s an amazing celebration, and a joy for him to see how many people love him.

Chapter 26: Time

 It’s been 54 years since I met Tom. We were babies.

It’s been almost 50 years since we got married. Still babies.

It’s been 48 years since we became parents.

It’s been 18 years since we became grandparents.

It’s been 14 years since we last saw our son Jim.

It’s been 10 years since we moved to Tennessee.

It’s been 3 years since my sister was diagnosed with cancer.

It’s been 6 months since Jeremy was diagnosed with ALS.

It’s been 3 months since he was able to go to work.

It’s been 1 month since he was able to eat.

It’s been about a week since he was able to talk.