For the first 18 years of my life, I had the pure luck and pleasure of living 5 houses away from my best friend. Our childhood and friendship is one for the books. I don’t have a memory that doesn’t include her. She is the world’s greatest friend and our lives are so intertwined we are often assumed to be sisters or cousins. But it will always come back to being neighbors. When we were kids we would always meet at the house half way between ours: The Hunter’s.
If I was at her house or vice versa and the street lights came on we would walk each other to The Hunter’s. When she would wake up hours before me and patiently wait for my morning call, she would answer and excitedly exclaim “Meet you at The Hunter’s”.
It was half way but it was so much more than that. When we got older and eventually would be separated by different colleges, at times different states, and different stages of life we would use our childhood logistics as a mantra. We would end all our conversations with “Meet you at Hunter’s”.
To me it has always meant that I have someone that always meets me half way, that is always just phone call away, and that is 50/50 with me on everything. On the road of life we have never been alone.
Currently, the world’s best friend and greatest person is dealing with the unimaginable. One of her amazing kids (Owen age 5) is on his second year of treatment for B-Cell ALL Leukemia. Words could never capture the emotion I feel for the Noonan family. While this is situation is one I wish they never had to experience, they are handling it with grace, humor, strength, and action!
In August, I will ride in my 7th Pan Mass Challenge, a two day bike-a-thon that raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
I'm riding for Owen and for all those who continue to battle this horrible disease. The fundraising and training are extremely difficult but it is nothing compared to what Owen is experiencing. I ask you to Meet me at the Hunter's and donate to my ride.
Thank you for your continued support and for doing your part. We are never alone!
