OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Sixty-three year old, “Penny” suffers from end stage breast cancer which has spread to her brain. She came onto hospice six weeks ago when there were no longer any options available for her. She was diagnosed two years ago, choosing not to have surgery. She was a strong believer in healthy living and wanted to try holistic approaches to treating her cancer.

Penny lives with “Ted”, her husband of twenty years. Ted is rough around the edges and laughs so easily. His humor is sarcastic and crude at times, but with his quick smile, one easily forgives him for his often tactless words. Penny and Ted have no children or close family members. They have a large network of close friends who are a tremendous support to the couple.

Penny is soft spoken, while Ted loud and boisterous. Penny has never drank anything stronger than tea, while Ted drinks beer and whiskey routinely. She is a purist while he is “down and dirty.” Somehow their differences work well for them.

Penny has declined rapidly these past two weeks to where she is now bedridden and has stopped eating. She is so weak, it is difficult to understand her as her voice is very soft. There are times when she just stares into space and is not present. Ted is struggling with Penny’s decline as wants to make things better for her. One can see it in his face and eyes. He’ll cover his emotions by making a joke.

The two are a perfect example at how opposites attract and how well it can work out. They both respect each other for qualities they don’t see in themselves. That, and with the humor in the home, how could it not work out. They are perfect examples of how love will always prevail.


OPPOSITES ATTRACT
　

He has a sarcastic sense of humor.
He is as crusty as they come.
He is loud spoken and acts tough;
wanting you to believe he is okay.

He is brutally honest about himself,
claiming to drink daily; twelve cans of beer.
It’s the only way he knows how to cope,
while watching his wife slowly slip away.

She was an herbalist by trade.
Only organic and holistic measures for her.
Focusing on purity for good health.
She has always lived those steadfast beliefs.

There is no doubt they love each other.
Her eyes light up as he speaks.
She will smile easily at his cynical jokes,
even ones directed at her.

Her spiritual beliefs erase any fears.
She knows where she is going.
He is not sure if there is afterlife.
He only knows she will be gone.

They accept each other as they are,
although on opposite sides of any spectrum.
One thing that is so clear though,
when love is involved,
          opposites will naturally attract.