The last days...

How do you act when someone you know and love is dying?

What do you do? What do you say?

I received a call today that my friend Norman was being moved into palliative care. I was told that if I wanted to see him I should really go and do it soon, within the next few days.

Somewhere deep down I knew it was going to come to this... eventually. Terminal cancer was always the diagnosis... yet Norm kept holding on, he kept persevering, not giving up, and the cancer moved from place to place, and it spread from organ to organ, eventually tumors in the brain... but still he was not giving up. Until now.

I went this afternoon to visit Norm, he is definitely done his battle, I can sense it (I'm sure others can too). He has fought so masterfully up until now... but fighting drains the energy. He is exhausted. He is in pain. I can't do anything to help him.

I simply went to his room. I held his hand. I asked if there was anything I could do for him. And I was there. That was all that was needed. Simply to be there. Offer some comfort by way of love and compassion.

And now the tears will come to me. Finally. I'm angry, I'm sad, I'm wanting to help, to comfort more... yet I know I can only do what I can... simply be there.

I hope my day allows me to visit tomorrow. It's a choice on my part I know. Will I be brave enough to choose it?

Tomorrow is a new day... there is always more.