Monday, November 22, 2010

Where I've Been

The ten of you who check in regularly may have noticed I'm not posting much lately. A good friend of mine has been going through a rough time and I've been spending a lot of time trying to help in any way I can through this crisis. Her 13 year old son (my son's best friend) was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma last weekend. This is a very aggressive form of cancer and he is now in the ICU on a ventilator and heavily sedated. On top of everything, she is a single parent, a fifth grade teacher and gave birth to her beautiful daughter two days ago. We knew the baby would have a bilateral cleft lip, and it's amazing that what seemed like such a big deal just a few short weeks ago seems so minor today.

Talk about perspective. I love my career and I love my books, but everything has taken a back seat to helping my friend and her family. Hopefully, things will stabilize in the next week or two and I'll be able to get back to my characters and to my job as an author. They always say go to your strengths in a crisis, so I created a blog so that everyone can keep track of the happenings. It is called Friends of RJ on blogspot if you know Jessica and RJ or just want to follow along, come and pay us a visit.

I hope to be back to normal blogging soon, but in the meantime all of your good wishes are welcome.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Chest aches for all of you. It's during times of crisis when we humans are best able to demonstrate what true love and friendship mean. Hugs and warm wishes around.

Joanna St. James said...

will go check it out

Robin Mellom said...

Thinking about you, sweetie.

Graciewilde said...

Ha! I figured you out! I am a follower of RJ's Army - Sebtown294 - aka JT O'Neill - school counselor at RJ's middle school. I knew you were a writer! Good stuff! Maybe you'll come do Career Day at his middle school next May? Thanks for all you are doing for the community. You are awesome! JT

CJ Omololu said...

Thanks guys!

JT - how did you find me out? You ARE good! I think we can work something out for sure. Make sure you keep my secret :)

Julie_c said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your friends' troubles. I hope her children get better soon - I can only imagine what she is going through. Big hugs to you for being such a good friend!

Anonymous said...

My friend's 8 year old brother got diagnosed with Berkitt's Lymphoma yesterday. I pray that both RJ and Evan, my friend's younger brother, are cured very soon(: Good luck to RJ and his family!
Olivia R.

CJ Omololu said...

Wow Olivia - it's been a rough two weeks, but he's doing much better now. Hang on tight and do what you can to support your friend. It's very agressive but very treatable after a long round of chemo. Hugs.