When I started eating sushi many years ago, my repetoire consisted of california rolls, cucumber rolls, tempura and teriaki. Over the last few years, several all you can eat sushi places have popped up in my area (one in the back of my condo) and I have been able to try new things. I love sushi now, and have been known to go a couple times a week if asked…lunch, dinner…you ask, if I can go, we go.

So, when Shari called yesterday and told me she had a craving for sushi, I jumped at the chance. It was more about seeing her than eating the sushi, especially since yesterday was her last day of chemo. I had my niece’s birthday party at night, so we agreed to meet for an early dinner at the place near my condo.

I was so happy to see her. I knew that she had a ‘fanny’ pack with her chemo that she took home, but I was surprised to see her take it out of her purse! I didn’t realize it was with her, attached to her, at all times! Especially when she got up to pay, but didn’t remember that she was attached to her purse – not something you should forget!

We ordered lots of food, and started to talk, and laugh and share. The last few months, we haven’t had a lot of times that were filled with our usually crazy stories, funny stories and laughter. (yes, there was lots of ‘girl’ talk). It is quite funny actually, I have been to this restaurant with other friends, and we get VERY engrossed in our conversations, that we don’t even realize people coming and going. We are in our own space, and place in time. It is hard to explain, but it is very special. I have shared many sushi meals with friends, and when you look at your watch…you don’t even realize that you have been there for almost three hours sometimes! A quick dinner, is no less than a 90 minute affair, that’s what it was last night.

Of course we talked about cancer, and the bone marrow and what comes next. I hope that Shari will be well enough to come to the donor drives and see how many people care about her and hope that she can ‘kick cancer in the ass’ and beat this thing. I will be there with my camera on hand at all times, so even if she isn’t there, she will know what went on. When, not if, you come to one of the three drives, please make sure you see me so that I can take your picture.

Shari, I look forward to the next time we can share salmon sashimi, sushi pizza, shrimp tempura and more. Stay strong and healthy and I hope that with the events in the next few weeks, that you will be able to get what you need and be able to share years and years of sushi meals with me!

For everyone reading this, if you are not already on the bone marrow registry list, PLEASE do one of the following:
– join on line at http://www.onematch.ca or http://www.giftoflife.org
– come to one of the three events happening in the next few weeks at the following locations:

• October 20th – 3:30 – 8:00pm – 4700 Bathurst Street (Council House for Jewish Women)
• October 31st – 10:00 – 6:0pp – Hillcrest Mall (The bay Kids entrance)
• November 1st – 10:00 – 6:00pm – 4700 Bathurst street

To read more about Shari and her story, please check out http://www.sharismission.com