Jan 13, 2020
Piloting Your Life: In-Flight Entertainment (The Gift of a Friend) (Jan 13, 2020)
Welcome Back My Supportive Passengers:
Last year at the life sciences conference I attended in San Francisco, I met Allison, the gal in the picture. She was wearing bright red lipstick and had on black framed glasses (kind of like the ones I am wearing) and stood out like a beacon in a sea of men in dark suits. I think we introduced ourselves at the same time, started chatting amicably, and a friendship was born.
The same conference is happening right now in San Francisco and this year, Allison is once again in town from Oklahoma (she has a women’s health startup) so we are attending various events together which is so much more fun (and less uncomfortable) as we navigate the primarily male attended events.
My friend Vica (center) is in town for some board meetings and is attending some of the conference events with us. She is based in London so we only get to see each other when she’s in town on business. Usually we have her over for dinner and lots of wine.
Last night while at a reception, I learned that our friends’ son passed away after battling a rare form of cancer. He was almost 17.
I asked Vica and Allison if we could leave. They got their coats and when we were outside E&O near Union Square, Allison gave me a hug and I completely lost it.
Just as I thought when we found out about Adam’s friend Dylan’s death in November, this could have been one of our kids. My next thought was, how does one go on after you lose a child whether suddenly, or after a prolonged illness and fight?
Another friend of mine lost his wife (also a friend of mine) the day after Christmas. She too lost her battle with cancer. Not to be too crass, but I am buying condolence cards by the dozen these days. Sending a card seems like such a ridiculously small token of support for such a devastating situation.
I am taking some hints from Emma Payne (Piloting Your Life the podcast episode 114 on grief) on how to be a supportive friend to my friends who are grieving. And from Crystal Cannon Flores too(Piloting Your Life the podcast episode 116 on death doulas). I feel so ill equipped to provide support. But I will do my best.
Last night, I had Allison and Vica to provide me with support (over cocktails) as I processed the horrendous news. I am glad I wasn’t alone. I was grateful for their presence and hugs.
Hug your loved ones tight. Send a note to a friend in need or just to say hello and let her know how much you appreciate her and her friendship.
May your week be filled with the love of friends.
Terri
P.S. Take the controls and be the pilot in your own life. It’s a beautiful day to fly, and you are cleared for takeoff.
Terri Hanson Mead YouTube Channel: episode 3 is all about getting unstuck, how many planners and tools this girl needs, and what motivates me to get out of my yoga pants and bathe.
Bugsy the puppy: We are still fostering Bugsy (aka Vixen). So if you want a really great puppy, check out more on Furry Friends Rescue.
Song: The Gift of a Friend (Demi Lovato)
Terri can be reached through:
Terri’s website: http://www.terrihansonmead.com/
Piloting Your Life(the book) website: https://www.pilotingyourlife.com/
Follow Terri on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrihansonmead
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrihansonmead/
Listen to Terri on the Piloting Your Life podcast
Reach Terri by email: pilotingyourlife@gmail.com
Drop Terri a line at: P.O. Box 3507, Redwood City, CA 94064–3507
