Rose Tea Cottage

Where tea is served at half past four




A friend is one of the nicest things you can have
and one of the best things you can be
~Douglas Pagels

Nearly a year ago, when I started my blog, my intention was to share with you my love of afternoon tea, poetry and all things pink, sweet, rosy and lovely. I never intended to write about my personal life, be it sorrow or joy. As months passed and my blog took form, something unexpected and magical happened!!!

♥♥ Global Friendships ♥♥

Truth be told, I never thought it would be possible to form such genuine friendship with virtual strangers miles and miles away. However, it did happen and in abundance at that. As time passed, I found myself sharing with you, my lovely friends, the joys and sorrows of my everyday life. In addition, I rejoiced, saddened, and prayed for events happening in your lives.

Based on the above, when this latest calamity happened,
my first reaction was to run to my laptop, prepare a post, and ask you, my friends, for your prayers. However, I quickly stopped myself not wanting to bring about grey clouds to your day.

Tonight, sitting down at my laptop exhausted and sleep-deprived appreciatively looking at all the unreciprocated visits you have made to my cottage, the 300 plus unanswered sweet and thoughtful comments and emails that are sitting in my inbox waiting for a reply, and all of the lovely new faces on my follower gadget who recently joined my blog and are waiting to be welcomed, made me realise I better share my heartbreaking news with you. You see my darlings, I don't want you to think that I have been ignoring you, no no no, far from it. It's your visits and comments that have given me joy and have been my lifeline during this difficult time. I do have every intention in responding to each and every one but realise I fall short of the mark day after day. So I question myself, how could I simultaneously balance my blogging duties and be a comfort to those who need me at the moment?

My darlings, my best friend, whom I’ve lovingly nicknamed Lady R was recently diagnosed with cancer. Lady R and I met 32 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Together we have faced life’s challenges...growing up, school, dating, marriages, children, divorce, losing loved ones. We have stood hand in hand and side by side, through good and bad, happy and sad, up and down, thin and thick, good health and now illness.

Lady R has been such a huge part of my life; I just can’t imagine life without her. Upon learning of this devastating news, I have spent every possible moment with her and have unremittingly prayed for her recovery. I feel totally helpless. The only offering I have, is my time and comforting words, which she, her husband and her children so desperately need. Therefore, I have decided to devote all my spare time to them for now and place my blogging duties on hold for a short time.

My darlings, given that I have a number of posts ready to be put up, I will periodically release a post; however, I am afraid my visits to your lovely blogs will sadly be sparse for a short time, do forgive me my lovelies. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the solicitous comments and emails you have posted for me during my absence,
I am truly blessed to have you all in my life my sweets.

113 comments:

Kittie Howard said...

Oh, my darling Duchess, my heart goes out to your dear friend and her loving family and to you, her loving friend. Your 'sister's' (for she is) diagnosis shatters, tears at the heart, makes the soul weep. With deepest humility I'll offer up prayers for the family (which includes you) and for your strength to remain strong. You're not leaving us, Duchess, for we're with you on this journey. Hugs!

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Oh you have placed yourself right where you need to be... I will be looking forward to your post when you feel you can but for now you truly are the very best friend this lovely lady could have in her corner. Prayers and blessings to you and all families....

Cathie said...

my thoughts are with you and your sweet friend darling Duchess.
there isn't anything anyone can say to make it better.
i know from experience, so I wish you strength & I know it's very difficult to understand why, but try to enjoy the cherished moments.
hugs to you sweet Duchess ♥

Heather Rogers said...

I am sorry to hear that news. Unfortunately I am in the same place with my mother. She has an inoperable brain tumor that is very far along. She has to start her chemo and radiation next week. We are hoping it will give us some more time. I understand how you feel and where you need to be. Big ((HUGS))
xxx

Anonymous said...

oh...sweetie...that is so understandable....you are so kind to be naturally concerned for your friend...

and we, in turn, are naturally concerned for you! keep well..blog when you can....no worries!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

Maggie said...

Oh Duchess, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I'll be sending good thoughts and positive energy to you both!

debi said...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dear, sweet friend. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Right now, your place is with her and her family. We'll be here when you get back.

Frog Hollow Farm Girl said...

Dear Sweet Duchess, I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend's illness. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers. Your devotion to your friend is the most important thing right now. We will all be here holding a place in our own hearts for you both. Take care. Ciao, bella!

Susan said...

Dear Duchess, I have missed you, and I do understand the impact cancer makes. My brother and my Dad both lost their battles with that horrible disease. But know, dear one, that you and your sweet friend, Lady R, will be in my prayers. May God grant you the grace to handle whatever comes your way and may you be a continual blessing to your friend and her famly!
Blessings!

Deanna said...

Dearest Duchess,
God comfort you and may He heal your precious dear friend.

It is completely understandable of putting blogging on hold for this time being.

But please keep in mind...you are welcome to drop by anytime for a cup of tea and a word of encouragement on the Prairie and hush away the anxiety for a spell.

I'm so very sorry for your dear friend to be stricken with this illness.
d

Jeannette said...

I am so sorry to hear about that. I will add her to my prayer list. My birth grandmother is fighting cancer right now too. It is very draining but please do remember to take care of yourself.

Maggi said...

I'll be praying for your friend!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dear Duchess, I'm so sorry to hear this about your precious friend. You're doing the right thing by being with her and supporting her. Also, I'm so glad you let us know this so we can join with you in prayers for your friend.
My heart aches for you. Take as long as you need. We'll be here when you need us.
Blessings,
Shelia ;)

The Charm of Home said...

Dear Duchess,
I am so sorry for your friends illness. May you both be uplifted during this time of trial and carried by the Lord's grace.
Sherry

Katy Noelle said...

Dearest! I have appreciated how we call each other these things~always with a twinkle in our eyes but, always genuinely. It's your genuineness that makes you so gracious.

I have been watching your blog grow and grow and have been concerned for the burden on you. Please know that, when I leave a comment, it is just a free gift. It is just a response. I love your personal encouragement in my comments section, it has meant an awful lot to me, but you encourage me simply by posting. Actually, I was thinking of coming back to tell you how powerfully your words have resonated with me from your last post. It's like God used your "pen" to get through to my heart.

I see people pouring their hearts out to you and I recognize this. I am a pastor's wife. I see my husband in this situation, too. He serves (not tea, though=]) with his sermons and he serves when someone calls late at night with a crisis. He goes to the hospital and holds people's hands as their lives change. I don't know what to say, except, I will surely pray for you!

I will ask my church to pray for your friend and her family, too!

With love and hugs and kisses!

Katy

Katy Noelle said...

Okay, so in sad times, the strangest things can make us laugh. My husband just walked in and I said, "Oh, the Duchess of Tea has some sad news." And he said (not realizing), "what? Has she switched to coffee?" Oh, brother!

Julie Marie said...

Hello Duchess... sending heartfelt prayers to you and your dear friends... xoxo Julie Marie

yyam said...

I can understand how helpless you must feel. But stay positive because you need to fight this battle alongside her. Take lots of photos! Sending you hugs and sunshine! Take care and be strong!

Overlooking Mississippi said...

Sorry to hear this sad news duchess..my prayers are with you and your friend..

BonjourRomance said...

Dear Duchess,
Please know that I will be praying for Lady R as well as all those who love her. You are so right to stay close, no worries at all with the blog. Just know you will be in our hearts and prayers my sweet friend! Take care of yourself as well Duchess!
Mimi

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

I will be praying for you, your Lovely Lady R and her family. She is blessed to have you as a friend, as I know that you have been blessed with hers!
This is so the right decision for all, and I pray that you enjoy your old memories with her as well as create sweet, new, wonderful memories everyday!
Love & Prayers,
Joyce

Catherine said...

Warm and loving thoughts to you and your dear friend Duchess.
xo Catherine

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Dutchess, I am so sorry to hear your heartbreaking news.

Your energies are being placed in the right spot. And we will all be here praying for your friend and waiting for your return.

Know that I am praying for Lady R and for you as well. I will put you on my blog prayer list and keep praying. Should you need specific prayer, please e-mail me. I love to go before the Throne of Grace. And will be there on your behalf.
Yvonne

Cool Lassi(e) said...

Dear Duchess,
I am very sad to hear that you friend is suffering from such an affliction. My sincere prayers to your friend's recovery.

koralee said...

Oh sweet one....I will be praying for your lovely friend...you need to be right beside her...we will be here when you get back.. extra hugs my friend. xoxoxo

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

God bless you for being there for your friend and her family. I will add them and you to my prayer list. laurie

Rose said...

Duchess
Im terribly sorry to hear this news. You are such a wonderful friend, Lady R is so lucky to have you by her side. There are times when blogging just has to take a back seat in life.
Thinking of you and your friend at this difficult time.

Rose

Elyse said...

oh duchess,

i am so sorry and saddened to hear about your friend.

please do not worry about visiting. devote your time to your friend. your blogland devotees will be here waiting when you have the time or need the sweet distraction.

warmest thoughts ~

xo
elyse

Claudia said...

Your friend needs you. Don't waste a moment worrying about us. We'll be fine. I will be sending my prayers out to your best friend.

xo
Claudia

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

Even though we have just met I wanted to let you know that you, your best friend and her family will be in my prayers and thoughts. Stay strong!

Francy said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. But don't worry. You are right where you need to be. My heart goes out to you and your friend. I will be thinking of you both.

debra@dustjacket said...

Honey my heart and prayers go out to your precious friend and yourself as you try and deal with this cruel turn of events.

You do what you need to darling, be right there where you need to be and we will be with you in spirit.

Much love DJ

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I am so sorry to hear of your friend's illness, and am so glad that you are taking time to spend with her right now. I will keep you all in my prayers...

A 2 Z said...

Bonjour Duchesse,

I agree that you must put your blogging aside to deal with such devastating news. I agree with Kathy Noelle that comments that we leave here are "free gifts" or tokens of appreciation for your beautiful blog and posts. You should not feel an obligation to respond to all of us. There are just too many of us! I will try my best to post healing comments while you are traveling down this "unknown" road.

Blessings,

Anne-Marie

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Oh, Duchess, I cannot imagine what you are going through. This must be so hard. I will be praying for you and your friend. It is very understandable and extremely nice of you to spend all your free time with her. Your words in this post were very beautiful.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Duchess,

I am so sorry for your precious friend and I am sending my prayers and positive vibes.
Take care dear friend and I am sending my love & hugs to you to help you through this difficult time.

Hugs
Carolyn

Jille said...

Warmest wishes and thoughts are with you and Lady R
Jille x

Mys och hemtrevnad said...

I shall pray for you and your friend! See you when you start bloggin again.Take care of your self! Hugs/semlan

Ines said...

My Lovely-

two of my family had cancer. I know, what you feel in this moment. The helples...
But don´t think, you cannot do anything. To spend time with you beloved friend is the most important thing, you can do ever. It´s a preciousness. Use the time! Now- it´s like a jewel. For you and for her and for her family.
Don´t think of anyone of us. It´s not the real world. Very few people here have depth. Think of you and your friend. Not of answering any comments... Enjoy every moment...
Look at every day, life is a whole, as I write in my header...

Love and hugs and kisses, my Sweet- I think of you- Ines

Riddlers cottage flowers said...

Oh how very sad, I lost my Wonderful Mum 13 years ago and the pain was so bad and still is. No one can help it just seems so wrong I will pray for you all. I have a very dear friend Jenny who is having treatment at the moment and she is so brave. I organise open gardens for Breakthrough Breast Caner in June. I get told lots of very sad things and it is so hard to go to sleep with so much going through my head. I know that I can not change anything but I feel that I am helping, may it be in a very small way by raising money for research.
Do take care of yourself.
Love Lesley.

Jolie Rosie said...

Precious Duchess I will never forget the email you sent to me in return when I wrote to you regarding my sister's illness.

You were an angel by my side my precious one and so here I am to tell you that you are not alone. All your blogging friends are standing at your side. You are much loved and admired and I know many prayers are being read tonight for your friend. Here is one....

Dear Lord,
You know my precious Duchess's friend Lady R so much better than I do. You know her sickness and the burden she carries. You also know her heart. Lord, I ask you to be with Lady R now, working in her life. Let your will be done in her life. If there is a sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, Lord, please help her to see her need and confess. Lord, I pray for Lady R because your Word says I should pray for her healing. I believe you hear this earnest prayer from my heart and that it is powerful because of your promise. I have faith in you to heal Lady R. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward Lady R. Nourish her spirit and soul in this time of suffering and comfort her with your presence. Let Lady R know you are there with her through this difficulty. And may you be glorified in her life, my precious Duchess’s life and also in mine.

Amen

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess,
I've missed you! So sorry to hear the news about your friend. Remember, Cancer is not a death sentence. My dad beat it, and your friend can too. I am a firm believer that if you ask god for help, you get it. Praying for her is the best thing you can do.
*kisses* HH

This is my Life said...

Duchess sorry to hear about Lady R. I will include her in my prayer and you too. Take good care of yourself Duchess and get some rest, you need to stay strong and healthy for your friend. Lady R is very lucky to have you.

Hillary

VintageVicki said...

Oh Duchess, what sad news. Spend time with your friend and bring her the same happiness as you do to us.

I shall be thinking of you.

Flaviana said...

Dear Duchess
I will pray with you for your dearest friend, God bless her.
Just be with her, she needs you more than ever now .I know you'll be strong for her and I hope our love and friendship will help you get through this difficult moment.
a big hug to you
Flaviana

Barbara said...

Dear Duchess, I'm so sorry for your friend, her family and you of course. Your decision is natural and you don't need to explain anything. 4 years ago my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer and metastasis all over the bones, at that time I was linving in the usa with my husband. For us has been the toughest time in life, one of the most important person in our lives was ill and we couldn't help, and in addiction to that we were there all alone. Fortunately she wasn't alone, and she went throug one surgery and a lot of chemo and other cares with the help of her husband, younger son and friends. Last year we decided to come back home (italy) in order to spend time with our families and friends. Sometime I fund my self thinking about our lives in these last years and how it changed since the diagnose of the illness, but you know what? She's still with us. She never gave up her smile and positive thought, she's a fighter. I don't know who's going to win, her or cancer? I don't care because after all she went troughout, she's the winner to me. She doesn't know that she taught me a lot. Now I'm pregnant, and I know this baby (her first nephew) will bring to her and to all of us a new force to keep moving forward. I've prayed everyday for her, I'll pray even for your dear friend. Stay with her, what I learned lately is that when someone is in need, even if we feel powerless and we'd like to do more, staying near them is doing a lot. A huge hug.

R Montalban said...

I am new to your site/blogging, but your post today is one that I felt so sad to read about. I lost my mum to cancer 8 months after my son (her first grandchild was born). There is never a good time to lose a loved one. The one save and grace of any disease like this (if you can look at it this way and I know it is very hard) is that you can use this time to say (and perhaps do) all the things you wanted to. It is also a great time to share memories with her loved ones too as they will really appreciate it and might just keep their spirits up when they are flagging. At times of sadness, it is very hard to remember the funny things, but it is very important to as that is what make life so special and keep us all going. Sadness and grief afterall don't make us better in the longterm. Life is precious, but also in passing (which I hope don't happen), the bonds that bind people strongly together are never broken, they can still be shared, just you might not always be able to hear the other person when they eventually pass to the other tea party in the sky....

Tina said...

Oh dear Duchess. I am sending lots of hugs, positive thoughts and prayers your way.
You are right to be there for your friend. She needs you and we all understand.
Lots of love.
xxx

Nishalim said...

Dearest Duchess

Am so sorry to learn abt ur friend's condition. May both of you find strength in each other, as always, no matter what the outcome may be. It's a treasure to have a friend like u, more than a pleasure to have met u. Yes we are virtual friends but I found ur words and posts so close to my heart, like a genuine friend whispering next to me. Hope to meet u someday in person too....In meantime, keep doing what u r doing. You are safe in my clipping. Take care and lots of love XOXOX

Rachana said...

Oh Duchess! I am so sorry to hear about your friend. You and your friend will be in my prayers.
Take care!

Madeline's Album said...

I will be praying for your friend, as you prayed for me durning my stay in the hospital. You are so right to be with your friend every chance you get. Have a blessed day.

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Oh Duchess what crushing new for you. You are quite right to be with your friend right now, not one of us would want you to miss out on another moment.

Sending you all hugs,

Victoria xx

rosenrot said...

Oh Dear Duchess, I am so sorry to hear this about your friend!
You're doing the right thing being with her and supporting her... you are a real,wonderful friend and I'll be here when you need me!
Please take good care of yourself!
MArlies

Unknown said...

We do so understand it.
Time to give to your friend
is the most precious gift you could give.
And when she it out and running again
we will be here waiting for you !

hugs

Kelly said...

Sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her, her family and you. Treatments have come a long ways so hopefully all will turn out well.

Deborah said...

Prayers, never ceasing, spiraling up to heaven, tiny silver threads of hope connecting us to The One who knows our deepest needs. Oh to be blessed with a friend like you is to be blessed twice. Sending all of my love on the wings of a desert sparrow, Deb

Brenda said...

I will be praying for you, your friend and her precious family. She must be so glad and grateful for a friend that is there to walk through this scarey path called cancer. What a great gift you are giving her.

Hilda said...

I have just come to your wonderful blog and I am pleasantly shocked.
I love tea.
It´s really beautiful, the photos are perfect, lovely color ...
But I read that your friend is ill, I'm very sorry. I will pray for her.

Kisses from Spain
(please, excuse my bad english)

Hilda

Unknown said...

Duchess...what a blessing you are to your friend and her family! You concentrate on being there for them, and we will be here for you! May God heal her body and her spirit with his loving grace...he has already sent her an angel to watch over her...YOU! God Bless and keep you all...our prayers are offered for healing and peace.

Bernideen said...

Of course! Besurewe are praying!

Kissed by an Angel said...

Dear, dear Duchess, of course you must spend every minute you can with your dear friend!!!
Loving blessings
xxxx

september cottage said...

Dear Duchess!!

I was visiting to thank you for your comment on my website and to ask you to forgive me for thanking you so late...only just found it....and then I read your post:

Your words sent shivers down my spine and I am SO sorry to hear your sad news! All I would like to say is, I wish you and Lady R all the VERY best! I am sure that you are as lovely in real life as you are in your blog, so Lady R has a beautiful friend in you and I am certain, just knowing you are there for her and her family during these sad and challenging times makes all the difference to her!!!

With the kindest regards

Nicola

Louise said...

Dear friend I am thinking of you, and sending prayers to you and your special friend. Remember the footprinrs poem and you will feel stronger
Louise xx

Laura said...

I'm truly SO sorry to hear your sad news.
I don't know what I would do without my best friend so, I totally understand your need to spend your time with her.

We will all still be here when things get better for you.
I will keep her in my prayers!

((Hugs)
Laura

Ingrid de Villiers said...

Dear Duchess
Thank you for your lovely post.....I feel so sorry for you and your special friend. I will be praying for you both and her family during this very difficult time. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs with us. Of course we don't mind that you don't answer our comments or emails. You need to do what you must do......Please take care of yourself too during this trying time...get enough sleep and eat healthy dear Duchess. Love Ingridxx

La Petite Gallery said...

Dutchess please take care of the home front, everyone understands and I wish you to stay well as you are needed. Friends like you are hard to find. I pray your friend has no suffering or as little as possible.

yvonne

Unknown said...

Sweet Duchess! There is so much love out there in this world, take it all in, wrap yourself with it and then wrap your sweet friend in it also. Be with your dear friend, it is where you need to be right now and she assuredly needs you too! Yes your "other" friends will be patiently waiting for your return and be praying for you in your absence in blog land, but we all know your sweet personal spirit is always thinking of everyone else except yourself! Be well my sweet Duchess and remember we love love love you! Many hugs to your dear friend...and family.

Cooking with Laura said...

Duchess so sorry about your friend. I have lost several family members to cancer so I know all about the process from a/z. I know what you are all going through and just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a good friend to be put your life on hold to take care of your friend. The caregiver has to be a special person to be able to provide the type of care the patient needs and your my Duchess are that person. From your writing it is apparent. Take good care of yourself. Prayers are being send your way.

Laura

Rizzi said...

MY DEAR SWEET DUCHESS,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FRIEND AND HER FAMILY. MY PRAYERS WILL BE WITH HER, AND YOU TOO FOR THE HEARTACHE YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. BE WITH YOUR FRIEND DUCHESS, AND ENJOY EACH OTHERS COMPANY.
I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU. LADY RIZZI

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Dearest Duchess, this seems to have been a tough year for so many. Three years ago my father was diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer. He was told to prepare for the worst. People who were close to him were shocked and sad to hear this news. Some of those people have died before him whilst my Dad continues to have reasonably good health and amazes his doctors. He is not cured but is still hanging in there. None of us know when we may be called to rest in God's arms. I will pray for your friend and yourself and please do not concern yourself with rushing to my Blog. Take Care, Duchess. xx

Susan said...

Hello Duchess,

Thank you for your comment on my blog. I love you blog and i'll put it by my favorites.

Greetings Susan.

cilla said...

My sweet friend,your entry tonight has touched my hesrt so much,im soo glad to be a part of your life.email me sometime i would love to talk with you more cillababy@live.com have a nice evening love...cilla

cilla said...

keeping your sweet friend in my heart and prayers love cilla

Karen Sullivan said...

Duchess we will be here upon your return please take your time and take care of your friend. Just know dearest that you and your friend will be in my prayers.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Duchess,
I am so very sorry to hear about your precious friend. You are right to take a break and to spend time with she and her family, what an opportunity to minister grace and love to them. We will look forward to your return, but certainly understand that you can only do so much!! and for now you are doing a much better thing.
Blessings Galore to you sweetie,
Nellie
Will certainly be praying for your friend and her family, and for you as well. Thanks for letting us know the why of your absence, as we do miss hearing from you.

Marilyn Miller said...

Blessings on you as you give your special brand of friendship and care to Lady R and her family. My thoughts will be with you.

Renaissance Grace said...

Take Care
Lady Susan

Chicago Chic said...

Beautiful Duchess,

I am so sorry to hear of this very difficult time that you are facing, and I can't imagine the pain that your beloved friend is enduring. I will keep you both in my prayers and my thoughts. You are such a supportive and loving, elegant and sweet lady. You are so strong and a truly wonderful friend. Please do not feel bad in any way for not having the time to blog, or to visit our blogs. Your love and devotion to your dear friend is most important. Just know that we are here, thinking of you always.

Much Love, dear friend.
Rachel

Decor To Adore said...

Oh you dear sweet soul.

Thank you for your kind comments. May you always be charmingly blessed.

I hope you'll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a darling French tote.

Hamptontoes said...

A very touching post. I will pray for your friend and you.

Uzbe Girl said...

Duchess I pray for God for your friend to well soon.

Olga

Eileen said...

Darling Duchess~ My heart goes out to you and your dear friend. I have two friends who are just like you describe - the three of us are inseparable. We have been through marriage, divorce, war, children, grandchildren and the loss of loved ones. I can not imagine my life without them. I will keep you and your friend in my prayers.

Light Sleeper....Heavy Dreamer said...

Duchess oh sweetie I am terribly sorry to hear this news. You are such a wonderful friend to devote your time to her. My thoughts and prayers will be with the both of you.

Hugs
Frances

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your friend.
News like that is hard to take. I wish her the best treatment and care available. Her friends and family will help her through.
Take care
Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess, I am so very sorry to hear that your friend is sick. I hope and I wish her a speedy recovery although I know that battling cancer will take a long time. You are a wonderful friend...I feel that this journey will be a lifechanging journey for both of you. Sending you millions of kind wishes to you and to Lady R.

Natasha in Oz said...

I just want to start by saying... Please do not even think about coming over to visit! I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your sweet dear friend. You have made the right choice to be with Lady R and you know that we will always be here for you.

Take care of yourself too OK.

Blessings and best wishes always,
Natasha.

Robynartdesigns said...

So sorry to hear your news. Sending lots of prayers for the best care and recovery for your friend. Try to stay positive, cancer need not be a death sentence. There are so many survivors out there and treatment is improving all the time. I'm a survivor, and hope your friend can be one too. Robyn.

Unknown said...

Sweet Duchess, I'm so sorry about your dear friend. I think that for now the best thing yo can do is spend every single moment with her and her family. Blog world is a fantastic world full of such wonderful ladies, but a life-time friend is one of the most precious treasur on hearth. Take care of her and of yourself, I will pray for Lady R. When you will have a little bit of time to come and post, we will all be happy to see you. Meanwhile just do what your hearth tells you to do.

A big hug my dear.
Mara

The Gossamer Tearoom said...

My Dearest Duchess,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your dear friend. You are doing the best that you can right now. Of course we will miss you, but we will look forward to your return.

Wishing the very best for you and all close to you.

Betty

Madelief said...

Dear Dutchess,

Such sad news....I know how it feels to have a friend who is that sick. Almost five years ago I experienced the same as you. It's good of you to be there for her! Will miss you though!

Please take care! Your friend will be in my thoughts.

Lieve groet, Madelief

parTea lady said...

Dear Duchess, I'm so sorry to hear about your friends illness. She is blessed to have you to stand by her throughout this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers your way.
Maureen

Pierre Le Mont said...

Je prie et demande à dieu pour aider Lady R Duchesse.

P

Damaris said...

I just came upon your blog this morning...I am now a follower!! XXOO

Maria said...

Dear Duchess,
You and your sweet friend will be in our hearts and prayers...
I have lost friends to cancer, but have also seen friends and family conquer it~ I will pray for strength and courage, but also for inner peace and for the joy that lives deep within to be sustained and refreshed each day...
{Our daily bread}

Peace dear heart,
~Maria

Beth said...

I am so sorry, dear Duchess. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. And don't give up!

Anonymous said...

Duchess, I am sending you and your darling friend Lady R. good wishes for a speedy recovery and many wonderful days ahead. She is lucky to have such as good friend as you. Sometimes life gets in the way and blogging must take a back seat. I have been remiss in visiting you and my other blogging friends because of life events an I must apologize for that. I will be thinking about your Lady R. and praying for a return to good health.

hugs,

M.

Angie's Recipes said...

Dear Duchess, I am so sorry to hear about the health condition of your bosom friend. This must be very difficult for them to deal with...I actually feel at a loss for words to say anything proper...
Take really good care of yourself, Duches.

Angie

Anonymous said...

Dear Duchess, what sad news. You go do what you have to do and we will pray for your friend and her beloved ones and for you..
Godeliva van Ariadone

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

My dear Duchess,
I am so sorry to hear of your friend's illness! I am sorry for what you're going through as well. I've been there! I lost my best friend to breast cancer a number of years ago now and I still miss her desperately! We also were inseparable and had shared so much together and had so many things in common.
So, I will pray for you and for your dear friend and her family. God bless you all!

Blessings and hugs,
Sandi

Mimi said...

Hello to my sweet friend!!!!
I treasure you and the sweet friend you are to me.
Your words are always so eloquently written and I can hear your sweet soft English voice as I read the words!!!Makes me day!!!!
OH sweetie, If I could phone up Sarah Ferguson right now I would, she needs a friend at this hour.I feel so badly for her, she is probablly wanting to crawl in a hole and not come out, I feel so sad for her, her daughters , her ex husband--her friend Andrew, he must feel so betrayed.
The Royal family are probably not to happy with her right now.
and for that I know she must be so embarrassed.
Let's Pray for her
have a great week
hugs,
jamie

Little Emma English Home said...

Dear Duchess, I'm really really sorry to hear this bad news. I hope you can be strong enough to give courage and love to your friend, she needs you now more than ever. You will be in my thoughts.

xoxo

Cornflakes and Honey said...

Oh sweetheart I’m so sorry to hear this news.

May all your moments together be filled with laughter, joy, happiness and love.

Your friend is so blessed to have you and you are so blessed to have her. Xx

Serena Lewis said...

Dear Duchess, I am so very sorry to hear about the plight that your lifetime friend is facing. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

La Petite Gallery said...

Dear Dutchess, Thanks for the recipe. The Macrons look so god I
found a recipe for them looks hard,,yvonne

Unknown said...

Oh honey I am so sorry to read this about your precious friend.
We all completely understand you not being able to do both and we love you more for of course choosing to take care of your Lady R,
I am glad you let us know about her so we can all lift each of you and your families up in prayer.
Take care of yourself and know we will all be here when you are ready to post again
Love
Maggie

Anonymous said...

Darling Duchess,
You and Lady R will be in my thoughts and prayers. You both will be carried through this valley by unseen arms.
Your friends here all love you and support you no matter where you are, so rest assured, we will be waiting for you.
I pray that Lady R will find within her winter an "invincible summer".
Love & Blessings, Peta

Simplement ... said...

Je découvre ton blog depuis Casa Dulce ...
Je suis sous le charme !
C'est comme un livre enchanté que l'on feuilleterait pour pénétrer dans un monde enchanté ...
C'est un rêve ...
Belle journée.
Marie-Ange

Silvia C said...

Oh, you sweet Duchess. I don't know if you will ever get to read this post, but I felt I had to send you the biggest, warmest hug. As you know, I recently saw my dearest sister (my great friend!) die of cancer at the age of 61. Everything was said and done for her in 1.5 months. I miss her so. I flew down to Argentina to spend time with her. So, my darling. How can I (we), your blog friends, not understand that you need time to be with your friend. We do! I do!! Take as much time as you need, and though I will miss your visits, you will be in my heart. I will pray for your friend, every night.
Be strong, dear Duchess. Many blessings to you and your dearest friend. My heart goes out to you.
Silvia (Casabella).

Musing in the Meadow said...

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My prayers are with you and Lady R sweet Duchess.

jordiegirl said...

Hello Dear Duchess

I just stopped by your blog tonight to do some catching up as I have been too busy to visit blogland of late.

I clicked on this post and was so upset to hear that your dear friend Lady R has been diagnosed with cancer.

Having lost my mother to lung cancer and also having had cancer myself (from which thankfully I recovered)I know exactly how you are feeling at this time and you are doing the right thing by being there for Lady R at a time when she needs you most. You must not worry yourself about your dear friends on here as we all understand that you need to take this time out right now.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.

Hugs from Jordiegirl

Vintage Home said...

....Such a friend you are to give of your time...All of it....A blessing for your friend ...A gift....

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you and your best friend. My Mum was my best friend and she recently died in only 46 days after being healthy all her life. Cancer took her from me so fast and I could do nothing but hold her and care for her while she passed. To walk the path of death with someone you love will profoundly change you forever. It is the greatest gift to give your loved one. I understand you must give yourself to your friends care, as I did for my Mom and I hope you do care for yourself as well during the difficult road ahead. I give you my heartfelt love and helpful prayers that the memories of your lovely time together give you solace in your time of need. Blessings

Susan said...

I stumbled upon your blog while pinning on Pinterest. I can relate to your heartache. My best friend was diagnosed with cancer two weeks ago. Thank you for being there for your dear friend. You will never regret the time you take to be of support and comfort to her. I love your blog. It is probably the most beautiful blog I have visited! Bless you!

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