Finishing well

**MistyFying** · July 18th, 2009, 02:15 PM

I just bumped into an older lady I used to know quite well down at the shop. I knew she and her hubby had been very unwell. She with pneumonia and skin cancer, and he with several secondary cancers.

I asked her how they were doing, and she told me very matter of factly (no self-pity, no melodrama) that she could no longer sleep at night as the fluid on her lungs meant she had to get up and walk around frequently. Her DH's oesophagus was irradiated unintentionally during the last bout of radiation therapy and so it is painful for him to eat. He has lost a lot of weight.

She said they value every second of their lives and are grateful for each and every day, and their aim is to continue to contribute to their family, church and community until their last breath. They want to live the end of their days in the same way that they approached the rest of their lives - wholeheartedly, faithfully and unselfishly.

As our conversation came to a close I wanted to give her some words of comfort and encourage her - but before I could do that, she hugged me and smiled and said, "Remember that (her DH) and I pray for you and your family each and every day." And then she walked away.

Finishing well. Always looking for opportunities to leave a conversation with the other person feeling encouraged/ better about themselves and their situation. She and her husband are an inspiration to me.

I'm going to really try hard to complain less...

**Nelle** · July 18th, 2009, 03:01 PM

Thanks Christine. xo

**diannescruffy** · July 18th, 2009, 03:26 PM

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it is so uplifting to hear stories of people who are going through so much but think of others.

Regards,
Dianne

**MantaRay** · July 18th, 2009, 03:29 PM

That is beautiful. Thank you Christine.

**Floweryfields** · July 18th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Lovely

**MistyFying** · July 19th, 2009, 05:51 PM

This couple doesn't live too far away from me... must get my thinking cap on and do something to help them out.

**diannescruffy** · July 19th, 2009, 06:26 PM

How about a cooked meal, just wanted to throw in an idea.

Regards,
Dianne

**Mr Squidipa** · July 19th, 2009, 06:41 PM

how awesome is that

**Heaven** · August 3rd, 2009, 11:26 AM

Wow, what a beautiful lady!

**Muppity** · August 3rd, 2009, 11:32 AM

suddenly my daily dramas seem far more manageable.

**NaeNae** · August 3rd, 2009, 11:40 AM

What an inspiring couple.

**Bathsheba** · August 4th, 2009, 05:03 PM

Oh that was beautiful Christine. Like Muppity my dramas have been put into perspective, thankyou. Please update if you hear any positive news about their health.