In Memory of Dree

I learned a short while ago that my friend Dree, who had been battling with multiple myeloma for just over a year and half, passed away earlier tonight. She turned 46 on Wednesday of this week (July 19th).

Dree and I met at work two years ago and became fast friends. As it turns out we grew up in neighboring towns and knew many of the same people. Dree was vivacious and lively with a great sense of humor and great taste in food, clothes, music and friends. Much of our time as friends Dree has been ill, but luckily I have been able to help her out with work and care. I traveled with her to Minnesota earlier this year for some of her treatments. We had many good times together and many laughs despite her condition. I always looked forward to and enjoyed our time together. Recently Dree's condition had worsened considerably and her doctor was working diligently to find a treatment that would help.

Dree was always very optimistic and upbeat, always a fighter. I was able to visit with her briefly the night before she left for this trip. She seemed more distracted than usual and more depressed. We knew that her cancer had grown to its highest possible level, but we still had hope that her condition would improve. Dree's friend Lisa, who has been friends with Dree since childhood and has helped care for Dree many times since she found out she was sick, has been with her in Minnesota for the past two weeks. I talked to Lisa on Dree's birthday and she said some things that led us to believe that Dree knew that she may pass very soon. That was the first time that I know that Dree has even mentioned not making it through this.

Dree's parents are 90 and 88 years old. They tried for many years to have children and suffered the loss of twins before Dree was finally born. Both of them are amazing and have been in very good health all of their lives. Their minds are very sharp and they are both still able to drive. Undoubtedly this will take a serious toll on both of them especially at their ages. Please say a prayer for Dree's parents. I cannot imagine their sorrow, but I know that God is holding them both in his arms.

I thank God for the short time that Dree was in my life. Sometimes people come into our lives and we never know the reason why--but its always been clear to me why God brought us together. Dree didn't have much family, no husband and no children, but she had dozens of the best friends in the world who were able to care for her and give her support when she needed it the most. I am proud to say that I was one of those friends.