GIRLFRIENDS

“Kimmy” and “Mari” have been best friends since they met forty years ago in sixth grade. The two have remained close over the years, even though their individual lives have developed in dramatically different directions.

Mari, fifty-two years old, is divorced and has three adult children. Her son, “Mickey” lives with her. Mickey looks to Kimmy as his second mother. Mari worked for the state for enough years to be able to retire at age fifty. Kimmy, on the other hand, got hooked on illegal drugs. Kimmy’s income has been limited as she works at a local gas station for minimum wage with no benefits. Kimmy never married and has no children, although looks at Mari’s children as her own.

Kimmy suffers from lung cancer which has spread to her bones. She was diagnosed just a month ago. Her doctors told her that there is no treatment. She was referred to hospice for care. Two days ago Kimmy moved into Mari’s home. Mari is her primary caretaker. Mari shared that Kimmy has been off drugs ever since she was hospitalized three weeks ago.

I first met the two friends today. The moment I walked into Mari’s living room, Kimmy asked me, “Why do I have to die?” She started to cry and Mari went over and the two friends hugged so tightly. Mari wants to take care of Kimmy. She will do what she has to do to keep her safe and comfortable.

Kimmy wanted to smoke, so the three of us went out to sit in the backyard away from the oxygen. My focus on this first visit was to assess Kimmy and Mari’s needs while educating them on our hospice program and the support that is available. Kimmy kept interrupting, commenting on my shoes or name tag. Kimmy suddenly stopped, interrupting herself saying, “I want to go inside to take a nap.”

Mari and I continued to talk outside. Fifteen minutes after Kimmy went inside, Mari got a phone call from a friend saying that Kimmy is texting a lot of her buddies trying to get some cocaine. Mari is adamant about keeping illegal drugs out of the home. After that phone call, Mari told me, “I will kick the %^&* out of anyone who tries to bring illegal drugs here.” Mari knows Kimmy may get mad at her, but she is determined to keep her friend clean, safe and sober.

I was touched by the closeness of these two best friends. Although, their lives are much different from each other, their devotion and love for each is strong. They truly are kindred spirits.


GIRLFRIENDS
　

They have known each other forty years.
They were best friends from the start.
Trials, struggles, good times and bad.
Both have been through quite a lot.

Their loyalty has often been tested.
Divorces, drug addiction, illnesses, now death.
She’s abused her body for too many years.
“Why do I have to die?”

She cries about losing her girlfriend.
She tells herself she will be alright.
Now she just wants to care for her.
To keep her safe; free from pain.

This past month has been a roller coaster.
Her friend’s life has dramatically changed.
Her girlfriend wants things back to normal;
she wants her crack cocaine.

Two lives traveling different paths.
Why not go their separate ways?
Soul mates, kindred spirits.
Unbreakable bond.
         Girlfriends.