Bittersweet retirement

Well, the day for my final days of teaching high school classes is about to come to an end. I must admit it is a bittersweet time, but not for the reasons one would expect. There are three of us retiring together and we have been friends for many years. We have endured many changes, many principals, and many students, but the change we are facing is not quite the same. We had expected this to be a very happy time, but it is bittersweet. One of my dear friends, Ann, who is also retiring is very sick. She is in the hospital and will not return to end the school year with us. The first indications are that she has lymphnoma. All of the tests are not completed, but she is not doing well at all. She has not felt well for two months, but finally just couldn't go any longer. We are all so concerned about her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She, like the other 2 of the "Three Muskateers", or "Three Stoges", which ever fits, was looking so forward to retirement and now it seems she may be in the greatest battle of all....the battle for her life. Somehow it just doesn't seem fair that someone who has given so much to so many people all her life should have to face such obstacles. I don't understand how things like this happen. I am really questioning my faith at this time, but I am hanging on because what else can I do? Who else can I ask for help and support if not God? I don't mean for this to be a "lecture", but I am just so overwhelmed right now and I am turning from one idea to another in hopes of finding the answers. So as I cut and paste my final exams and cut and paste exams for Ann, I am trying to hold tight to hope that all will be fine and that we all will retire to face many days together as friend enjoying retirement. Pray for Ann.