Oh no you di'nt!

I received an email from a friend of mine a few days ago. A woman I've known since 1985. Her name is Wendy, but I call her Em—sometimes Emmy Lou—always have. I was a huge Madonna fan in the 80s, and when I met Em, I chose the nickname mostly because I'd read it was Madonna's nickname, too.

Em was diagnosed two years ago with ovarian cancer. I won't go into detail, but she's doing well. We're all so thankful. We keep talking about meeting in Vegas for a Laverne and Shirley weekend. She's fine. [Note to Em: Click on the link—the highlighted words, Honey. You'll like it.]

The email from Em had "Cancer" as the subject. It wasn't a forwarded email, and it was from her to me; didn't appear to be sent to a group. No mistake. My adrenalin surged. Had her cancer returned? Was she not feeling well? Was she scared? I almost couldn't open it.

Here's what it said:

Just forwarding to friends and family members who won’t take this too seriously and of course no big deal if you don’t forward.

It went on to talk about some Criss Angel bit that had to do with your zodiac sign. You were supposed to put your sign in the subject line, then forward to various numbers of people for different levels of luck. Em was born in July. She's a Cancer. Hardy har har.

I emailed back:

Emmy Lou! I canNOT believe you sent me an email with the word "cancer" in the subject line. My heart almost beat out of my chest as I opened it. Don't EVER do that again! With your history. Man!

XO,
Chrisy

Em replied:

I am so sorry.  I did not even think about it.  Can’t wait to hear about your vacation.

Luv ya 

And I'm sure she really didn't even think about it. Which is actually a beautiful thing.

Comments

[Corbie]

That sounds like a good (albeit reversed) version of the 'then' and 'now' that you and I have discussed. How nice that the 'now' has very few remnants of the 'then'.

[Chris]

Thanks Corbie - at first I was thinking "dumb it down" - wasn't sure what you were referring to. My clunkity-clunk brain finally got it. Nice.

Em - I know you're reading this - it's a REALLY good thing that Corbie said... Call me and I'll fill ya in. And again Emmmy Lou - YES, you're Shirley and I'm Laverne.

[Em]

Thanks Chrisy! What a nice post. I still feel bad for causing you any undue stress! I am blessed in many ways and especially for our friendship! I didn't forget I was Shirley but I just need little reminders now and then.And thank you Corbie! I will be filled in soon I hope.

[Chris]

Em/Shirley - you're welcome. It's not the first time you've caused me stress, and I'm certain it won't be the last. Thank YOU for leaving a comment ;)

[All Adither]

That IS a beautiful thing.

[San Diego Momma]

I'm happy to hear Em is doing so well.And that she has a great sense of humor. I'm sure Vegas, when you get there, will be a great trip for both of you.

p.s. Also a huge fan on Madonna in the '80s.