TERMINAL

Or in other words, the end.

That sounds awful.

A friend will pass away within the next few days or perhaps weeks.  There are no options or alternatives left to try.

She has terminal cancer.  She is in pain and is in the hospital until her doctor decides that her pain can be managed well enough to allow her to go home for her remaining days.

In visiting with her, she is brave.  She is absolutely amazing.  I know she must be worried about the people she is leaving behind, how could she not be? 

Her parents are by her side around the clock, they sleep in her hospital room each night.  As she talked with me about her leaving this earth today, they were in the corner of the room - crying. 

As much as I tried to hold back the tears, I couldn't.  But I did my best to keep a brave face in front of this wonderful woman.

Although she and her husband have a plan in place and have taken care of legalities, etc., I could see the worry in both of them.  Their daughter, who is mentally handicapped is a huge concern.  It is hard to comprehend why these things have to happen.

Watching this family travel through this veil of tears reminds me that we (I) should hold the ones we love much closer, tell them we love them more often, speak kinder, love deeper, and embrace each day that is gifted to us.

A greater sense of compassion and a deep desire to help lift the burdens of those who are struggling also accompany these thoughts and feelings that I have been having this week.

Even though I will still miss my children while they attend school (and serve a mission) and believe they are growing up too quickly, and as much as I miss those tender young days when they were underfoot, I know I am privileged to have them return to me.  What a huge blessing and gift; I need to appreciate and acknowledge that more.

I am grateful for my blessings and for those I love, including you.

Now, go hug someone you love!

Comments

[Jonathan]

The faith I witnessed today was beyond my ability to describe.

Simple faith that God will help and make them stronger. It was humbling.

Thank you Mar for this tribute to our friends.

Jonathan

[Mar~]

Jonathan,
Thanks for going to visit her with Tim tonight. I know that meant a lot to her but even more to her hubby.

[Stacy]

I believe that both of you were sent to comfort her and her family. What a hard stage of life to witness. I will pray for their family, and even though I don't know who these people are, my heart just aches for them. So sorry.