Courage

So, you think you’ve got courage, Constant Reader. Try this on for size: A friend who’d moved to Florida Facetimed me to tell me she was dying.

She had courage.

She loved me enough to let me know in person. Unable to fly the 3000 miles, she did the next best thing. She FaceTimed. Thank God for this cell phone invention.

She had courage.

She’d received a deadly diagnosis over a year ago. She endured every type of treatment known – medical and non-traditional – she endured hair loss, digestive issues, and radiation fatigue. She remained devoted to her grandchildren and daughter who lived with her and her husband, who she recently lauded on FB as a hero for his steadfast care-taking of her.

As a couple they have courage.

She abandoned her rose-colored glasses to look death in the face. She didn’t lose the fight. She accepted her fate.

She has courage.

We met in a water aerobics class, endlessly treading water. Our goals were weight loss and exercise without pressure on tender knees. Our bond was humor, natch. How many years ago that was, I can not say. She connected me with a group of women who’ve been allies in my efforts to sell books. She means much to me, but I can’t save her.

I must have courage.

Because we reside on opposite coasts, I’m relying on FB, email, and snail mail to show my support. I sent something straight away on the day she called me. With gifts of love and support inside the envelope, I knew extra postage was necessary, so I put on an extra stamp. But, when I arrived at my local post office, I learned that an extra $3.93 was required.

“But, my friend just entered hospice,” I cried.

Instantly the man at the postal station beside me said, “I’ll pay for it.”

That man had heart.