There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” Washington Irving
I met up with my friend Jess, who just finished her last chemo and was diagnosed with the same breast cancer I had. When we are together the tears flow. It cannot be helped. We cry even with big smiles on our faces and broken hearts in our chests. The tears come from a deep knowing of how the other feels. From the wide love we have for each other. She is wise and brave with an honest and thoughtful heart. Yearning to learn from all that life is throwing at her. Through her I am healing from my own experience. Parts of me that I had closed up neatly have been cracked open again but are being met with healing and growth.
Our friendship has come full circle. 13 years ago Jess interviewed me for a job at Tahitian Noni. When I walked in wearing the same dress she was wearing, we both knew it was a good sign. (I got the job!) She has mentored me through many stages of life and now here we are helping each other through cancer with unspeakable love and sacred tears. Is there a stronger word for love? If there is, that is how I feel about you, Jess.