A day of highs and lows

[Scabbydoo]

As I noted in my "Happy Birthday" thread, it was a day of highs and lows. I had the opportunity to 'break bread' and celebrate my birthday with a few friends. I also attended the wake for Pepi's wife, Yolanda. The flood of confusion and mixed emotions was ongoing throughout the day.

While I was accepting well wishes and congratulations on adding another year to the ongoing count, I was also mourning the loss of a friend's wife, who was herself, a dear friend. A friend who, while I was going through my battle with the scourge that is cancer, was always there to encourage me.

Some of you know that Yolanda had herself survived a bout with cancer several years ago and since that time had made it a mission to work against the disease as well as support those she knew were battling it. I was blessed to be a beneficiary of her uplifting and energized support. Every few weeks I would get a call from Pepi inquiring how I was. I could hear Yolanda's voice in the background firing questions and comments and soon realized what prompted the call. Eventually I would hear Pepi say "Here, you talk to him." and Yolanda would be on the phone, issuing a rapid fire progression of questions and encouragement. My recollections of those calls were among the days highs.

Up-beat, hysterically funny, caring, supportive; those of you who knew Yolanda know what a force of nature she was. She will be missed.