Essential Estrogen

It has always been my belief that people come into your life not for specific periods of time, but for specific purposes -- some of which will not be realized until years after you and the person have parted ways. Life and its lessons are just that way.

Several years ago when I was having a particularly difficult time dealing with the death of our son, I picked up the phone and called a friend I hadn't spoken to in months. I just felt we needed each other in that moment. Sure enough, she was also having a difficult time. A very close friend of hers was battling breast cancer and the outlook was not good.

We spoke at length about life, death and the so very precious moments in between. I told her I could never understand why it always seemed to be the best people who had to go through the worst. (You never hear of Charles Manson contracting cancer or dealing with the death of a loved one.) She agreed with me and then explained it better than I could have:

"That's because the shits would never inspire us."

It is difficult to watch good people go through crappy situations, but there is a purpose. They inspire us.

All our love and prayers, Elizabeth. You are an inspiration and an excellent role model. We're happy to have you in the public arena and know you possess strength we haven't even seen yet.