Last week my oldest friend sent out a devastating text message to the group text I've been a part of since group texts were a thing. Normally, the seven of us on said text send out funny memes throughout the day, sarcastic jokes to make each other laugh and pictures of our kids. Not last week though. Last week we stared uncomprehendingly at our screens as Laurissa told us her father's cancer had come back. Not only that, but that it had traveled to his liver and doctors were not hopeful. They gave him four months to live. 

I don't know what kind of physical sign of sympathy you can show the people who were all but family to you since the second grade. The people you lovingly called "parents", who didn't mind that you spent six straight nights at their house eating all their food and binge watching MTV. I don't know how to manifest the anger and despair and crushing pain you scoop up into your own hands, hoping it will alleviate your friend; your sister. We all stared at our screens with the tear tracks fresh on our cheeks and knew it wouldn't. We could stand next to them hand clasped at the precipice looking for answers but for all our pain and fear and love, Laurissa , Lorraine, James and Jim would be looking at each other.

Jim was diagnosed with cancer just over three years ago. With heavy hearts and iron grit he underwent the regimented treatment and not too far after went into remission. A small word that was nothing but hope for everyone. Accidentally, through a routine checkup, doctors discovered the cancer had returned, metastasizing to his liver. The doctors couldn't recommend any further treatment. I don't know how people hear those words and carry their heads up high, but Jim did. In the face of the blinding pain, and the sorrow of his family and the fear of another battle, he's stayed strong through and through. May we all face such adversity with his tenacity.

No one wants to talk about it. How can you? But it's the sad truth of the world we live in. Funerals cost upwards of ten thousand dollars. While a family grieves at their weakest, the costs snowball into a crushing bill they happily serve you on a silver tray. So sorry for your loss.

Laurissa and Lorraine and James. Especially Jim. Do NOT deserve this. One more fight. One more battle. They're not asking because they're too good. So I am. Please. If you can donate one dollar, one dime, to help ease this battle for my friends, my family, I know they would be so grateful. If Any of us were rich and money was no object this wouldn't be one more problem on their already teetering tower, but sadly this is not the case. If you have the spare change to help these amazing people who deserve some easing of this burden, please give. If you can't, we understand, but please say a prayer to whoever you pray to for Jim Hartnett. May he feel the love we all share for him now, when his need is greatest.

Spread the love. Life is short. And if you can, share this post and raise your glass to Jim. ❤️