In An Instant
I’ve talked a bit about my friend Jackie. We met in college…I don’t remember actually meeting her, though, now that I think about it. I just knew her. We spent hours procrastinating in college. She was the only other person I knew that would wait until eight hours before her paper was due to start writing (and also got As on said papers, thankyouverymuch). We lived together at the beach for years after we graduated and had many adventures, some we remember and some we don’t. We would watch American Idol every week (OH Kelly Clarkson!) and roast marshmallows in our fake fireplace. She visited me in New York and taught me how to ice skate. When I was told I would miscarry Maddie
, she comforted me when I cried, and when I was on bed rest she called me every day to make sure I was ok. She and her family put Maddie on every single prayer chain in the universe. She was one of my first friends to hold my little baby. She’s a ball of fun, and in my mind, there is an exclamation point after her name. Jackie!
Last night I got a phone call from a different friend, the kind of phone call where you know the second you answer the phone that something is wrong. My first thought went to my pregnant friends, and I feared one of them was in premature labor. Instead she told me something completely and totally different.
Yesterday at work, Jackie had a seizure in the middle of a meeting. Tests have discovered a brain tumor. Doctors don’t know if it’s cancer or not. 
Brain tumor. I am looking at the words but they are hard to believe. She is in the hospital, and the doctors want to remove the tumor as soon as possible. Her parents cut a vacation to Sweden short to be with her. They get back tonight at seven. Once they’re back, decisions will be made about treatments and surgery.
San Francisco has never felt so far away.
I don’t belong to any churches or prayer groups. I’m just asking all of you to please pray/hope/send positive thoughts toward Jackie and her family. She’s Hot Stuff On A Stick. My Monchichi, Cha Cha, Jack Attack, and about a billion other ridiculous names. Leave her well wishes – she reads this blog and I feel like giving her prayers is all I can do from way down here in LA.
She is the kind of friend everyone wants to be, and few are lucky enough to have.
Nanette says:
I’m so sorry to hear your friend is going through all of this!
I’m sending her lots of healthy, healing vibes!
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Aunt Becky says:
SHIT. SHIT.
I’m sending everything I’ve got to her. She sounds amazing.
*hugs*
I’m so sorry. I know how scary this stuff can be.
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Jessica says:
Sending tons of positive thoughts and prayers your friends way.
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Bloggymommer says:
Geez. I just lost it when I read all of your nicknames for her. It’s not nice to make a pregnant woman cry.
This is the third person I’ve heard of this week with cervical cancer/brain tumor, testicular cancer… and it’s only Tuesday.
It hits way too close to home.
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Amy says:
I am thinking of Jackie! and you Heather. I hope beyond hope that the brain tumor is not cancerous and that she is well on the road to recovery soon!!!
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Anonymous says:
My thoughts and prayers are with her and with you.
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TUWABVB says:
I’m so sorry to hear this news, and I feel horrible for you. Jackie will be in my prayers – and I’ll send tell my mom as well (who has a bunch of cute little blue-0haired ladies at a Catholic church in NJ that will pray for her).
I know the next news about her will be great news. Please keep us posted.
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Christy says:
We love you Jackie! Get Better Soon!
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Amaia says:
(First time commenter, but I felt this merited it.)
She’ll definitely be in my prayers.
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Dana says:
Jackie, you sound like a lovely person. You look like a vibrant and passionate woman. Here’s hoping the stress of it all doesn’t snap you in two. Here’s hoping you stay strong. Here’s hoping you’re surrounded with loved ones when you need it and have time to yourself when you need it. Here’s hoping…
You’ll be in my thoughts, my prayers, my heart. Oh, that there was less heartache.
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Kristin.... says:
Thinking of you and your friend Heather. Hugs.
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KLS says:
Sending lits of good thoughts Jackie’s way. She sounds like a great friend, and like she will be a fighter. Please keep us posted!
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Anna Marie says:
Sending healing thoughts Jackie’s way. And sending thoughts of strength to you, Heather. Please keep us posted.
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moosh in indy. says:
Dude, Jackie.
Best wishes and juju’s.
That’s all I have to say.
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~Jess says:
I’ll be praying for her and you!
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Gin says:
Many prayers headed your way, Jackie. My uncle had a brain tumor just over 3 years ago. And he’s A-O-K right now! I will pray that you will have similar good fortune.
All my best.
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Stephanie says:
what a nice post
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Shauna says:
That is so SO scary. All my good thoughts and prayers are for sure going out to your friend and her family. Hopefully they can get some answers soon-the not knowing must be terrible.
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Fiesty Charlie says:
About to put the munchkin to bed and tonight we will add Jackie’s name to the special “God Bless” section… the prayers of children get put to the front of the line, I believe….
Praying for you too, I know it is hard to sit and wait for news when you love someone as much as you love her…..
Keep us posted… please!
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Mom24 says:
I am praying for healing and peace.
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feistycali says:
Jackie you sound like a beautiful, amazing person. I’m sending positive thoughts your way.
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Alex says:
Oh Heather…that is my worst nightmare. I’m going to say every prayer I know for your friend. My thoughts are with her and her loved ones.
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Mommy's Boot Camp says:
My goodness, that’s terrible. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Maddie & Jackie. Keep us posted!
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Danielle says:
Oh, Heather. I’m just crying.
She is incredibly beautiful and you two are so lucky to have such a wonderful friendship.
I will be thinking of you both, and her family as well. Positive thoughts and prayers all the way around.
This sucks.
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Bridget says:
Jackie is now on 3 different prayer chains in Georgia. Please keep us all updated!
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Bec says:
Oh my…I’m not the praying kind, but Jackie and her family will be in my thoughts.
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Brianne says:
I love you Jackie and am thinking about you constantly.
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Tara says:
Jackie, I am saying lots of prayers for you. You are a wonderful and positive person and I know you will get through this. You are lucky to have an amazing friend like Heather!!!
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Stacy says:
Okay darlin, I live in southern Louisiana, smack dab in the middle of the Bible belt, and between our crazy Cajun Catholics and devout Southern Baptists, I firmly believe that our prayer chains down here have some sort of direct line to heaven.
So I made a couple phone calls, and your buddy is on all of them. My grandma is praying for her too, and since she’s the closest thing to a saint I know (I’m pretty sure she and Mother Theresa were “likethis” in a former life), your gal has lots of good mojo on her side.
This sucks. It always seems like it happens to the best people, huh?
I’m thinking about y’all. I know how few and far between really good friends are – we have to hold onto them really tight.
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Adria Sha says:
I’m sorry to hear about Jackie. She will be in my prayers. She does sound like a wonderful friend.
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Kellee says:
Oh Heather, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend.
Jackie, we’re all pulling for you! I’m radiating positive thoughts in your direction!
When I hear about things like this, I’m always reminded of a certain moment in S&TC (as silly as I feel pulling a quote from that show for such a serious situation), where Carrie says:
“Samantha is my friend. She’s my family. My insides. She will be fine because she has to be fine. That’s how important she is to me.”
I know that’s exactly how I feel about my friends. There’s simply no other option. I’m glad her parents are able to return to be with her. Please keep us posted on how she is doing!
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Lissa says:
love you jackie! xoxo
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Danes says:
Heath, couldn’t have put it better myself! (Makes me wish I had a blog!!!)
Jax, if you’re reading this, I love you – you know that. I can’t wait to give you a HUGE hug in person.
xoxo
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Frozen Star says:
Nothing but well wishes from me, Jackie!
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Memphislis says:
Aunt Becky took the words right out of my mouth. Jackie, we are praying.
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laurie says:
Oh My gosh! My wishes are with you and your dear friend. You are so lucky to have found each other, and I know this is just a bump in the road. My thoughts are with you both. She sounds amazing. Best of luck and keep us informed (as much as you are comfortable with telling us)…
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Shamelessly Sassy says:
I’ll keep your friend and her family in my thoughts.
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Val says:
Thinking positive thoughts and sending healing energy her way!
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Christi H. says:
i love my jackie! prayers and hugs and comforting thoughts to you… can’t wait to hug you in person! xoxoxoxo
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Andrea @ Sweet Life says:
How awful, I couldn’t imagine. Lots of positive vibes going her way. How lucky to have such an awesome friend.
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Mommy Melee says:
It’s hard to explain how much girlfriends mean in life. You two look so happy and adorable in every picture.
You’re both in my thoughts.
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Jackie says:
Heath, You know I love you more than I could ever say. And, to everyone else…thank you! I can use as many prayers, good thoughts, and positive vibes coming way as possible!
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Lucia says:
My prayers go out for your dear Jackie. May the force be with her!
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Kristi says:
Just prayed for her. And you. And all that love her…
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Worker Mommy says:
Sending prayers your way Jackie! Here’s to you kicking that tumor’s ass!!
All the Best!
WM
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Jenny, the Bloggess says:
crap on a crap cracker.
she has my prayers.
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Mom says:
Jackie, prayers and nothing but positive thoughts coming your way. Keep an attitude that only allows for the good to come in. Stay strong…….you, too, Heather.
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mommastantrum says:
Jackie, get better fast…please, because I have offended Heather and I am pretty sure that she is going to need some help kicking my butt. You sound like the girl to do that. (Don’t worry, I am sending an apology email now, and possibly a HUGE package of chocolate!) Now get well soon.
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GIRL'S GONE CHILD says:
Sending love and kisses to Jackie. Visualizing the tumor being removed swiftly and flung far into outerspace. xo.
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Pillarr1 says:
I have never commented on this blog but I just want to say that I hope all goes well with Jackie. Vaya con dios.
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someofusareclowns says:
I’m so sorry to hear this =( Jackie! will most definitely be in my prayers!! Keep us updated.
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Sharon says:
I work with a ministry that has the privilege each week to meet for staff devotion and prayer time. We will be uplifting Jackie in our prayers this weekend – for healing, medical wisdom, and peace for Jackie and her family.
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Tiger Lamb Girl says:
Popped over from BHJ’s place and saw this post about your friend.
Please tell her to consult Dr Russell Blaylock, Neurosurgeon before agreeing to any surgery. He’s board certified and has done extensive research into WHY so many people are having problems (out of the blue) like you’ve described that Jackie experienced. I’ve also posted a video (my last post up a few days ago…..coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences!) that features Dr Blaylock amongst a few other doctors on this very topic/condition.
I hadn’t planned on commenting — just popped over…but omg, when I read about your friend, I couldn’t not share this potentially life saving info with you. God bless Jackie!! xo
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The Spohrs Are Multiplying » Turk Talk says:
[...] of your comments and well wishes for Jackie! made me cry. Thank you so much for caring about my friend! I don’t know if any of you saw, [...]
AMomTwoBoys says:
Oh, how awful. Sending many good vibes Jackie’s way…
She’s lucky to have such an awesome friend!
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The Spohrs Are Multiplying » Blog Archive » Playing In The Shallow End says:
[...] my friend Jackie! got her fourth opinion on her brain tumor, and it was the best news we’ve heard by FAR. The [...]
In The Face of Fear, True Beauty | The Spohrs Are Multiplying says:
[...] have a lot of spare time this last weekend, but what little time I could eek out I spent with Jackie! She is having her big surgery on July 28th and these were my last face to face moments with her [...]
N icky says:
That’s so sad, I’ll be praying. Hope the op goes OK. She sounds like such a great friend, and they are truely hard to find these days.
N ickys last blog post..A First Child’s Loving Acceptance to ‘New Addition’… or Maybe Not!
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Neil says:
The best of luck to your dear friend, Jackie, on Monday!
Neils last blog post..The Great Interview Experiment – Six Months Later
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Talismen | The Spohrs Are Multiplying says:
[...] a little crowded, so what?). Last month I made a “No Turk” symbol that all of Jackie!’s friends could put on their Facebook pages, desktops, etc. Lissa took the symbol and turned it into [...]
Audrey says:
Prayers and all the good thoughts/vibes/mojo/juju we can muster.
I told the cats and dog that they were supposed to send all of the above too. Hey, it can’t hurt!
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Dane Kim says:
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