A December Day With Johnny Depp

She called me on Sunday to tell me the news, my friend she did. Sick from cancer they told her, that's why she hurt. She had to drop out of book group, her reason for calling. "Please tell others I can't make it anymore." I gulped hard. One week later, cradling the phone to my ear, words traveled through the line I heard. She was ready to die, my friend she said. "I've lived a good life, I'm 80 years old," an affirmation of a contented soul. Sadness bruised my heart. But I'm not ready for you to go. Three weeks after that first call, she passed and my mind spun backward to last December, and how I had almost said no to Johnny. And no to my friend. A cold, gray day in December's rush. My back hurt and gravitating toward fear and selfishness, I conjured excuses in my brain. Preparing for Christmas, one more thing seemed insurmountable. Daunting  even. Minutes passed, then oh yes, heaven stretched its graceful arms, inscribed a missive upon my heart, like a 3x5 cue card it read: "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self." Images of library books she delivered to my door and key-lime cookies at Christmas sealed the deal. Wrestling fear and selfishness to the ground, I pinned weak excuses to floor. Yes, I said, I would love to come over and take your picture with Johnny. Later that day, we propped him up against the wall, snapped numerous shots, various poses, lighting changes. Slants of weak winter light glistened on sword. He looks so devilishly delightful as a pirate, I mused. We giggled like high-schooler's at prom. Fun, I thought, she loves fun. And adores Johnny Depp. Weeks after the photo shoot, I retrieved the Christmas postcard from mailbox. Beautiful. Ignoring inner critic, the voice that says maybe-you-could-have-done-better, I gave a nod to spirit. To friends, to life. And to my dear friend who laughed, traveled the world, got a tattoo in her seventies. During her funeral mass, mention of Johnny caused my eyes to well. A tight breath expelled into sad room. My gaze scanned the coffin adorned in lovely cloth, and I loved her in my heart space. Silently I whispered thanks to Johnny Depp and the December day I will never regret. And to friends who accompany us along our way, yes I gave thanks.