LONG DAYS

Fifty-three year old “Brenda” suffered from ovarian cancer. Brenda lived with “Chuck”, her husband of thirty years. They had no children, but had a huge network of supportive friends. Brenda’s only family was her sister, “Betty”, who was two years older. The girl’s parents died when they were teens, which brought them close together.

Betty lived nearby and the moment her sister was diagnosed, she accompanied her to doctor’s appointments and treatments. Brenda had been doing quite well until a few weeks ago when she suddenly declined. She became bed bound and needing help with all of her needs.

Betty started coming in the early mornings and stayed throughout the day and evening to help out. Quite often she stayed overnight as she had the need to be near her sister. One would also find the home filled with many of Brenda’s and Chuck’s friends at all hours of the day helping out as well. Over the course of a two week period, once vital and active, Brenda became dependent with all of her needs. She slept most of the day and it was getting difficult to wake her up. She stopped talking and it appeared she wasn’t aware of her surroundings or what was being said to her.

At that time, the family understood that Brenda was near the end of her life. Brenda died peacefully with her sister and two friends at the bedside. I called Betty to offer condolences and she described the last hours of her sister’s life. Betty easily talks about her feelings and does reach out to her husband and friends for much needed support. I know she will be okay in time as she was totally there for her sister. She says the difficult part is that she is the only remaining member from her immediate family.


LONG DAYS


Her days were long,
but she never complained.
Her sister needed the help.
Sibling love guided her way.

She had to be there.
She couldn’t stay away.
But the days were hard.
The nights even more.

Their parents died
when they were teens.
It made them close.
It’s just been the two of them.

She came every day.
She held her hand.
She whispered softly
telling her it was okay to go.

Now that it is over,
she’s looking back.
“These past two weeks
was one long day”.