Charlotte: Samantha you look so pretty today!
Samantha: Thanks. I have cancer.
I’m so glad I met my best friend when I was sixteen, so young and so much ahead of us. Before college, friends would drift,but now it appeared I’d met my life long buddy. Laughter,tears- hey we even handed in a resignation on the same day;although that says more about Thorpe Park than us!
I’m so glad I met my best friend when I was sixteen, so young and so much ahead of us. Before college, friends would drift,but now it appeared I’d met my life long buddy. Laughter,tears- hey we even handed in a resignation on the same day;although that says more about Thorpe Park than us!
Brooklands College, Weybridge, September 2001 sets the scene for the adventures of Gemgems and Jo. We’d both met the love of our lives (ha), embarked on distant journeys (Benalmadena and Faliraki-sorry Gemma's Dad!) and thought we were complete party animals (minus the drugs – we were both far too sensible for that!!) A freebie trip to New York and copious nights in Oceana sealed the deal for our eternal friendship.
Throughout the years Gems and I have both had our ups and downs; break-ups, make ups, illnesses and tough family situations, not to mention struggles at work or whilst studying;one consistent feature in our journey has been the comfort of a best friend. So close we both took a year out before university to enjoy more time together – before Gems decided to swan off to Italy – however I was swiftly following on her trail.
For the duration of uni and at points afterwards we have gone for months without seeing each other, and sometimes even weeks without talking, this has always been safe in the knowledge that as soon as we’d see each other again or one of us needed the other, all would be where we left off. That’s what best friends are like.
The above has always been my theory, and after a stint a few years ago both finally finding ourselves back at our parents in Surrey again, it was when I realised just how much I’d missed the presence of my beautiful Gems. The Sex and the City nights began, a Tuesday weekly ritual at Daph and Dave’s(my parents). I always saw myself as the Samantha and Gem prided her style on a Carrie copycat.
It wasn’t until the 6th August this year when we realised we’d got this all wrong! Like a punch in the stomach I received the devastating news that the sassy strong Samantha character who so bravely fought cancer in our beloved boxset was in fact Gems!
"Sex and the City: Catch-38 (#6.15)" (2004)
Throughout the years Gems and I have both had our ups and downs; break-ups, make ups, illnesses and tough family situations, not to mention struggles at work or whilst studying;one consistent feature in our journey has been the comfort of a best friend. So close we both took a year out before university to enjoy more time together – before Gems decided to swan off to Italy – however I was swiftly following on her trail.
For the duration of uni and at points afterwards we have gone for months without seeing each other, and sometimes even weeks without talking, this has always been safe in the knowledge that as soon as we’d see each other again or one of us needed the other, all would be where we left off. That’s what best friends are like.
The above has always been my theory, and after a stint a few years ago both finally finding ourselves back at our parents in Surrey again, it was when I realised just how much I’d missed the presence of my beautiful Gems. The Sex and the City nights began, a Tuesday weekly ritual at Daph and Dave’s(my parents). I always saw myself as the Samantha and Gem prided her style on a Carrie copycat.
It wasn’t until the 6th August this year when we realised we’d got this all wrong! Like a punch in the stomach I received the devastating news that the sassy strong Samantha character who so bravely fought cancer in our beloved boxset was in fact Gems!
"Sex and the City: Catch-38 (#6.15)" (2004)
Samantha Jones: Like it’s my fault! I shouldn't be punished for not having kids. I should be rewarded! Since when did kids become the Get Out of Cancer Free card? He's basically saying that I'm a whore who deserves chemo!!
Carrie Bradshaw: No, I...I don't think that's what he was saying.
Miranda Hobbes: What I don't understand is…if they got it all wrong, why do you have to have chemo?
Samantha Jones: Because he's an asshole!
Carrie Bradshaw: Apparently there could be something microscopic...
Samantha Jones: Like his d**k!
Carrie Bradshaw: I'm sorry; do you have cancer or Tourette’s?
The overwhelming helpless feeling when someone so young that you dearly love becomes ill is hard to explain. First come tears, then the fear, then above all the anger at this unfair situation. I’ll send flowers, visit, but nothing can stop the want to turn back the clock and take away all the pain. The one solace I have in this situation is the strength of characters surrounding this wonderful person. One thing Gems is not short of is people to confide in – and confide she will! ;)
We are only at the beginning of this next journey together, but I will be here for you 100% of the way providing strength and a shoulder wherever needed. Feel free to use and abuse!
Most of all, as I know this is Gem through and through, I will provide humour wherever possible – a smile and a sprinkle of positivity can do wonders for the spirit. I am also an excellent events manager so as soon as she is well enough we will be embarking on our ultimate lifetime adventure… Ibiza…watch this space!
All my love, forever and always Gems,
Carrie Bradshaw: No, I...I don't think that's what he was saying.
Miranda Hobbes: What I don't understand is…if they got it all wrong, why do you have to have chemo?
Samantha Jones: Because he's an asshole!
Carrie Bradshaw: Apparently there could be something microscopic...
Samantha Jones: Like his d**k!
Carrie Bradshaw: I'm sorry; do you have cancer or Tourette’s?
The overwhelming helpless feeling when someone so young that you dearly love becomes ill is hard to explain. First come tears, then the fear, then above all the anger at this unfair situation. I’ll send flowers, visit, but nothing can stop the want to turn back the clock and take away all the pain. The one solace I have in this situation is the strength of characters surrounding this wonderful person. One thing Gems is not short of is people to confide in – and confide she will! ;)
We are only at the beginning of this next journey together, but I will be here for you 100% of the way providing strength and a shoulder wherever needed. Feel free to use and abuse!
Most of all, as I know this is Gem through and through, I will provide humour wherever possible – a smile and a sprinkle of positivity can do wonders for the spirit. I am also an excellent events manager so as soon as she is well enough we will be embarking on our ultimate lifetime adventure… Ibiza…watch this space!
All my love, forever and always Gems,
Jo xxx
Amazing 'guest' appearance, sharing a brilliant friendship and wonderful memories that will only be built on. I remember my first trip to Oceana that started with punch and a hangover before we even got there!! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteAww love you Nic. That was an epic 21st birthday...maybe your guest appearance could include this or what about that 'phone call' to Mr Craven- 10pm on a school night! Xxx
DeleteHa ha not just a school night a Sunday evening. . 'Nicola it's Sunday night what are you doing?' as we shout down the street! I remember the punch bowls so well xxx
ReplyDeleteI seem to have a vague memory of someone dropping the C bomb too? Lol poor Mr Craven! Xx
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