Life is strange, isn’t it? One moment you are plodding along, everything is so normal that it’s almost boring.
Then one day you answer your phone and the world as you know it, changes forever.
And so it was, on the weekend right after Thanksgiving, when I answered my phone and heard Candy’s panicked voice.
She’d gone to the Walk-in Clinic for a bad cold, and as she left she was told to call her doctor on Monday
After that, her life, and the lives of all the people who love her came to a screeching halt.
Candy and her husband and their family. Especially her beloved pup, Aurora.
We all held our breath and prayed that the diagnosis was wrong. That somehow the Universe had messed this all up.
But as the days passed, it became clear that this was our new reality.
I admit to standing in my living room and swearing and crying before my trip to Florida began. I prayed that I would make it to her side in time. Things were happening so fast, I wasn’t sure if I would.
But on January 23rd, when I walked into her twin sister, Mary’s home, and knelt by her bed, I thanked God I had gotten there.
She was still able to sit and eat small amounts. Mary and I gave her anything she wanted.
We talked, we were peaceful, we held hands, and watched our favorite TV shows, like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Property Brothers, (also twins!) And Love it or List It. Making comments, usually, one-word comments, during each show.
My room was next to hers and I noticed we both were sleeping with the TV on, as was Mary.
Sometimes I got up in the night just to check on her. Just to see her face.
We all held onto each other as we began the walk down this bumpy road. We tried to keep it all together, but tears flowed many times.
And then something amazing happened. We began to talk about her forthcoming death, but with no anger, no sadness, but with the love and friendship and the life we have shared all these years.
We laughed, we joked, we shared so many wonderful feelings and stories of days gone by, and told each other how we felt.
Oh my goodness, I am blessed beyond measure!
I’ve learned so much on this journey. I’ve learned how very precious life is and how we should celebrate our loved ones each and every day. Make sure to let people know how much you value their presence in your life, and never take for granted the people around you that bring you joy!
I am on the bus now on my way from Boston, Massachusetts to Concord, New Hampshire. It’s freezing cold here, but very soon I will be home with my hubby and three precious pups!
For me, my journey continues, but I hope to make it an even better life after everything Candy has taught me.
I suppose it is the realisation of the inevitable that stopped you being so upset and enjoyed the time you spent with her. I’m sure there was lots of reminiscing. Get ready to start shovelling once you are home, by the sound of it.
Very good advice Maribeth. You made the best of your last moments with your friend. Hugs xx
Maribeth, you’ve had an interesting trip, from the joy of your Disney vacation to this time with your friend. I’m grateful for the insights you’ve offered.
I am so glad you had the gift of time with your friend. So meaningful for both of you.