My friend Julie Lamb

On the first day of Anna going to kindergarten I met Julie Lamb.  Her daughter Eva is Anna's age and her daughter Ella is Cecilia's age and we immediately became friends. We spent many days walking with our girls to and from school with her family living only two blocks from us.  In 2010, When Anna and Eva were 1st graders Julie was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.  She had chemo for the entire school year and in June when she finished her chemo things were looking up.  

Then in September of 2011 after having some tests she found out the cancer was back.  She was so positive through it all and in December made the decision to go see a specialist in San Diego.  The specialist told her that with some pretty aggressive treatments he thought he could possibly give her around five more years.  We were all devastated.  Julie decided to have the procedures done including a "hot chemo bath" to try to prolong her life as long as possible.  But then in a horrible turn of events in January she suddenly got much sicker before leaving for San Diego.  John was in the hospital at the same time as her and I would visit her anytime I was leaving for a few minutes or if someone else was with me that could watch John for a few minutes.  I hadn't seen her for a few weeks while the kids were on Christmas vacation and the change was obvious...we were losing time quickly.  After rallying to go to San Diego the doctor there knew that the things they had initially planned to do would not work on her frail body.  He did what he could and then told her she could possibly have a year.  Julie came home with the horrible news and continued to be as positive and kind as ever.   I remember her coming to Eva's last basketball game and Eva's delight when she scored her first and only basket of the season. And then even though the effort of sitting through the game had been exhausting for her she insisted on coming to the end of season party.  She was continually a beacon of light through the darkness of knowing she was soon leaving this life. 

 In March, through some random events, Julie and her family were given a very special gift.  Julie's mom has a home in Georgia in a community where Julia Roberts, the actress, also has a home.  Now Sue (Julie's mom) and Julia had never crossed paths but do know some mutual people and through these people Julia was asked if she would consider sending Julie a birthday card.  Julia responded that she could do better than that.  Julia called Julie on the phone and spoke to her about giving her a gift of a lifetime.  She flew Julie's family and Julie's brothers family down to L.A. she put them up in an amazing hotel on the beach, provided them with a car, paid for all their expenses of going to Disneyland and Universal Studios, spent time with them in their hotel and then had them walk the red carpet with her for her new movie, "Mirror, Mirror."  During this week Julie was able to do all of the activities (albeit in a wheel chair) but it was such a blessing, as she was immediately hospitalized upon their return.  

In May, knowing that Julie possibly had just weeks left the Lambs decided to take her to her mom's house in Taos, New Mexico for her remaining time.  There her and her family could just spend time together without distraction and interruption, but before they left they wanted to have an open house so that people could say their goodbyes.  Andy, Julie's husband, asked if I would host this event.  

It was a bittersweet day.  Julie was as full of grace and kindness as always and while others struggled as they spoke with her she never lost her composure and assurance that we would all see each other again.

Here are Molly Allen, Julie, me and Joyce Bowman.

One last picture of me and my friend.

Julie and I, in the short time we were able to know each other, became such good friends and I will always be grateful to have known her.  Julie past away at the end of May in Taos after a courageous battle.  I promised her I will always be in her girls lives and plan to carry out that promise.

Julie, thank you for your example of kindness, strength, and friendship.