My most amazing friend

I have some pretty wonderful and amazing friends in my life; I am truly blessed! But my friend Trish is just very amazing and inspiring. Right now she is in Cincinnati, OH with her daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth (one of Trish's 15yr old triplets) just underwent her 63rd (I think) airway surgery. They rebuild Elizabeth's airway by taking a piece of her rib out and then cutting open her neck and inserting the bone into the airway. Yea, quite a major surgery. Trish, who happens to be the only bread winner in their family due to her husband's fragile medical condition, has to take 4-8 weeks off of work to stay with her daughter during the recovery. She did the same surgery when Elizabeth was 3yrs old; she watched her daughter virtually die before her eyes three times. Then, when Elizabeth was around 11 there was another major surgery too. And here we are again. I cannot imagine doing this. Trish sounds stressed and worried - who wouldn't be?!? Elizabeth is in pain.

I have known Trish since we were 3yrs old. Our lives have taken many different paths and adventures, both together and apart, but we have remained good friends. I think that is the sign of a true friend, one who is meant to be a part of your life for ever. It hurts to see someone you love struggle like this. But, she faces all these many struggles (and there have been more struggles in her life than seems possible!) with such grace, it just amazes me and inspires me. If that is her life's purpose than she is doing what she was destined to do! I just wish it was not so often and so extreme.

Think good thoughts for my friend Trish, Elizabeth, and their family. They need it!