Being a friend
There’s a saying in my family that goes “Your parents and your siblings are the family that you are born into. Your friends are the family you choose to share your life.”
I only have a few friends, but they are close confidants and have been with me for many years. Recently, however, I realized that I have more friends than I thought I did.
Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer.* This dramatically changed my life in just a few minutes. The love that was shown to me by so many people altered the course of my life.
Getting through a difficult time like this takes great strength. You turn to your loved ones, family and friends for support when you feel weak. They help you laugh when you haven’t got the strength to stand up, and cry when you’re afraid. They share with you the moments of peace.
Sometimes you are fortunate enough to unexpectedly find new friends. In the little cafe in the park, the barista smiles at you as he makes your coffee. The chef at the restaurant prepares you a “healthier” omelet, and the waiter hugs you when you come in for breakfast. The nurse tells you about her hobbies as she prepares you for chemo. Your acupuncture doctor shares a traditional family recipe. The physiotherapist explains to your partner how he can help relieve your pain. A friend you have not seen for ten years takes the next flight to pay you a surprise visit… I have so many stories to tell, so many encounters, and so many friends!
What has life taught me over the past year? I learned that we can all be that unanticipated friend. Anyone can touch the life of another person, with a kind gesture, a friendly word, or a funny joke. With a text message, email or phone call. With a hug. It doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. We don’t have to run a marathon or earn a fortune to give something to someone. We can give our time, our smile, our love and a feeling of solidarity to those who are ill, or sad. To those who are afraid and feel lost. We should strive to help people shift their perspective and feel humorous. Perhaps we can change their world for just one moment.
*Note: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women all over the world. Early detection saves lives. http://www.worldwidebreastcancer.com/learn/breast-cancer-statistics-worldwide
http://www.who.int/cancer/detection/breastcancer/en/Ioana Navarrete Pellicer
I’m a world citizen born in Mexico and currently reside in Boston. I joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1996 and for 15 years I fought for the rights of my compatriots in the United States. Throughout the different phases of relations between the U.S. and Mexico, my work helped me gain insight into the situation faced by migrants at the borders in the south-western, mid-western and eastern United States. I studied law in both countries and worked as a lawyer in Mexico. When it comes to migration issues, I am particularly interested in the protection of human rights.In my spare time I like to read, listen to music – especially rock and punk. I also enjoy dining in good restaurants with my best friend, who happens to be my husband. At home I like to spend time looking after my dogs Lucas and Sol.