Lola Arnold Weber - My Hero
My best friend from early childhood, Lola, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer when she was 44. Lola's twins were 12 at the time. I remember her letter so clearly, and the news hit me like a bolt of lightning. Although I knew it was serious, I didn't really understand what stage 4 meant. All I knew is that I would be there to support her 100%, no matter what. For about six years, Lola hung on to life with incredible strength, dignity and determination. She was an inspiration to all those whose lives she touched, and there were many. Even though Lola’s health was failing, we held on to hope that, in spite of the terrible odds, she would make it somehow. During those years, our friendship deepened and grew beyond measure. Most of our communication was by phone because she lived in Hawaii and California was my home. Lola and I became spiritually connected in ways I had never before experienced with anyone. We were good at visualizing and shared wonderful stories over the phone of the two of us growing up. One story I vividly remember was when we were at the Optimist cabin in a beautiful park, basking in the sun and inner tubing down the river. We both really loved ice cream and shared many hilarious stories about that, too. Double rainbows kept appearing for both of us. Shortly before the photo above was taken at Waikiki Beach, double rainbows graced the sky. Double rainbows became a spiritual symbol of our love and friendship. To this day, whenever I see a rainbow, I am reminded that Lola is near. I am also reminded of how exquisitely beautiful life is and to never take anything for granted. |
Ultimately, in spite of massive efforts to save her life with traditional and various alternative treatments available at the time, Lola succumbed to the disease the day after her 51st birthday. Betty Boop roses were Lola's favorite flower. How fitting it was to have her celebration of life at the rose gardens in Portland. 
Here's to rainbows,
our precious friendship, and Betty Boop roses, Lola! 
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Remembering Lola, a friend who's always there
If I Could Catch a Rainbow, by Brad Printz
If I Could Catch a Rainbow, by Brad Printz
A joyful message about true and lasting friendship
If I could catch a rainbow before it fades away
I'd hold its endless beauty and share it every day
If I could build a mountain or swim the ocean blue
If I could cross the desert, I'd do them all for you.
On days so dark and gloomy when the clouds begin to cry
If it seems you're all alone, you think you're on your own
Remember just above the clouds the sunshine fills the sky.
I cannot build a mountain or catch a rainbow fair
But I'm the light that shines for you
The one who's always there
A friend who's always there.
If I could catch a rainbow before it fades away
I'd hold its endless beauty and share it every day
If I could build a mountain or swim the ocean blue
If I could cross the desert, I'd do them all for you.
On days so dark and gloomy when the clouds begin to cry
If it seems you're all alone, you think you're on your own
Remember just above the clouds the sunshine fills the sky.
I cannot build a mountain or catch a rainbow fair
But I'm the light that shines for you
The one who's always there
A friend who's always there.