MY FRIEND.

I have a friend who is a very important person in my life. I always tell her that she made me become a real person because before her I was like a little "wild animal". Debra and I met in 1993 when I was very young living in a "hole" in Camaguey, Cuba. With her help I came out of the hole and started learning things that changed my life in deep ways.

With Debra's help I traveled to Italy (first time ever going out of Cuba at age 23). Traveling out of island was hard, the whole process was complicated with lots of paper work. I didn't have the money or stamina for going through all the frustrations but she helped me be patient and the trip became a reality. I loved Italy! Being there was a real school, but as the day of my return approached I got nervous. I didn't want to go back to the hole in Camaguey. Then, Debra stopped me from doing a stupidity. I called her to say: "please Debra send me a copy of my birth certificate. I am going to stay over here with my new boyfriend. Some people I know are going to find me a job cleaning houses". Debra stopped me from doing so. She asked me to come back to Havana and offered me to live in her place. I knew that she was always right so I listened. That happened in 1995.

Living with my friend was one of the most important experiences of my life. With her I learned to believe in myself. I never thought that I was going to sell my art but she took my pieces to the USA while I was in Cuba and found ways to sell them with her friend's help. I never thought that I was going to be able to have a solo show of my work, but she made it possible for the first time in Havana. She found my first gallery ever in the USA. She made possible for me to visit the Art Institute of Chicago where I learned so much. She took me to New York City so I could see the city for the first time.  

Debra introduced me to Marguerite (Bill's sister) who eventually introduced me to Bill, who married me a short time after we met and with whom I had my 2 beautiful children. Debra is behind anything good that ever happened to me. More than friends we consider ourselves sisters. We have spent long periods of time without seeing each other because of her work and my busy life, but we have always felt connected, we have always known that we're in each others hearts. 

She came to visit me last December and it was wonderful. We reconnected and spent quality time catching up with each other's lives. Every time I see Debra is so special, because I put everything in perspective. I remember where I come from and how much I have accomplished because of her. She puts me in touch with my essence. 

Imagine the shock when I found out that she had been diagnosed with cancer a few weeks after she left. I was devastated. But knowing how strong she is I saw later on that she had taken the news with such calm. Debra has the quality of being calm and thoughtful whenever there is a problem. I think that problems are afraid of her because she scares them. I have a deep faith that the cancer treatment is going to work great as it happened with my brother Rene. She's doing everything right, plus she has lots of support from relatives and friends. Debra has always been extremely healthy and physically active. I am sure that her body is going to do a great job helping itself recover and her mind is already in the right place.

With this post I wanted to share this treasure of friend that I have with you. I feel so lucky to have Debra in my life. Isn't it amazing how much a good friend can literally change us? She helped me find the right direction whenever I was wrong, she could always see beyond what I saw, she has always been understanding, never judgemental, she's modest and gentle and so smart.

I have said several times that before I had my children, there are 3 main people that have shaped me in deep ways and they are: My Mom, my friend Debra and my husband Bill. I feel really lucky. 

I love you so much hermanita! And I send you tons of positive energy with this post! 

Elsita :)

Comments

[Irit]

I have tears in my eyes. Your friend sounds like such a wonderful person. You are very lucky indeed to have her in your life.

Sending her positive thoughts from Israel!

[Christina Conway]

Elsita, this is really beautiful. I want you to know that you have carried on the tradition of helping others. You have become a huge positive influence in the lives of others, it's all a wonderful domino effect. XOXO

[Elsita :)]

Thanks a lot Irit for your positive thoughts to my friend.
Debra is a very remarkable human being. Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I have been
to have her in my life for all these years. And I am only one of many other people who adore her.
Elsita :)

[Elsita :)]

Thanks a lot for your words Christina :)

[Cath]

I cant seem to help but comment on your posts, they are all so interesting/touching/inspiring! This made my eyes fill too. It is very special to have a friend in your life who loves you unconditionally. I will send out lots of healing thoughts into the universe, and hope that they reach her.

[Joan Chandler]

You, Elsa, are the "Debra" in my life. You have encouraged me to write . . . and my life changed. You encouraged me to believe in myself . . . and my life changed. Whenever I need a boost of positive energy, I know I can count on you.
Joan

[Gina Purlia Johnson]

This is beautiful, Elsa! How lucky that both you and Debra are to have each other. I will put her in my prayers and send lots of positive thoughts her way. BTW, I am a 2X cancer survivor and truly believe in staying positive, hopeful and thinking lots of good thoughts...hugs to you both! <3
----Gina

[Flassie]

Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Lovely photos and post!!!

What precious gift to have such a beautiful caring friend!

You've truly been blessed Elsa!

I'll keep Debra in my thoughts and prayers and add her to my prayer list.

GOD BLESS DEBRA'S HEALTH IN JESUS NAME AMEN!!!

Flassie

[sheila]

that is a lovely post - thank you for sharing this story - what a lovely person your friend is, i hope she will not have to go through too much. our women friends are so important to our lives.

[elizabeth]

I'm so glad that Debra touched your life in such a profound way. That has given you the possibility to touch, encourage and support all of us who are reading your enthousiastic, powerful and loving messages and which challenges us to become all we can be.

[Heather Woollove]

Oh, Elsa--You have been so blessed by this friendship. I'll bet that Debra feels blessed by yours as well! I will keep her in my heart as she goes through this difficult time. My very best to you both.XXO

[nanouke]

I'm sending you and Debra positive thoughts!
I completely understand your friendship, I have one of those too. She knows me better than myself..
Everything will be OK, I know that. Hugs!

[Gillian]

Elsita your friend is amazing - how blessed you are to have found each other and had all these years of growing together.

I too have just come through the other side of a cancer diagnosis and I wish your friend all the very best - a positive heart and a generous spirit can only help with her recovery and it sounds as if she is coping extremely well. Sending good thoughts her way and I hope she stays well.

[kirsten]

What a beautiful, touching story and tribute to your friend. It makes me love her without even knowing her and inspired to have such an effect on someone's life as she had on yours. What amazing things have been a result of her touch!

I am sending her such heartfelt wishes for healing and recovery. And she will be in my thoughts for a long time...I suppose you could say her beautiful influence just extended a little further.

[cynthia]

Sending my prayers to your friend as well as you. She is lucky to have you in her life.

[Betty]

Dear Elsa, I feel so honored that you shared this post. Like Irit, I have tears in my eyes. And prayers in my heart for Debra. To have such a friend gives full meaning to the word blessing. I'm happy to join hands with others when I thank you for your own strength of spirit, mind and heart that have made a positive difference in my life.

[Colleen (bcharmer)]

I am so grateful to Debra that she has been such a good friend to you. I love her because you do. I am imagining Debra healthy, strong, and calm; banishing cancer from her body and continuing to change the world with her love and wisdom.

[Khanh]

Elsa,
I'm so happy that you & Debra have each other. Lots of prayers coming your way & Debra's.
Much love.

[Mary]

What an amazing force she has been in your life; would that we were all as lucky! I wish her a speedy recovery and will send all my positive thoughts:)

[carmen patti]

Elista, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for your beautiful words. What a nice image I have today, thinking of my sisters and friends that mean the world to me, we are so lucky....

[Tamara]

this was beautiful to read.

[asha]

Elsa, thank you for sharing this. You are lucky to have such a wonderful friend in your life. I receive a lot from reading your posts - they are full of inspiration and connection to the people and things that matter in your life.

[bhán]

What a beautiful story! And we are all lucky that Debra helped you get your art out to the wider public, it's beautiful! She sounds like a special person and I hope the treatments help her recover quickly.
..bhán

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[Coach Outlet]

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[abercrombie london]

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