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.
Finishing well
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