WHAT SHE NEEDS

My husband and I have known Peggy and Ellis for years. Every few months, we meet at the buffet in the local casino for lunch. The four of us will sit for several hours eating lunch while laughing and sharing stories.

Peggy was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer years ago. She had been doing quite well until this past year. She now undergoes chemotherapy every three out of four weeks. The treatment makes her ill, but she takes medication to ease the symptoms. Peggy never complains and has accepted her situation. She is very open and honest about it all.

Peggy and Ellis use humor to cope. They are both so loving and giving to others. Peggy recently was hospitalized due to a health setback. My husband and I had been previously talking about how there likely will come a time when Peggy will say, "That's enough."

I now know that that time is near as after our lunch today, Peggy turned to me and said she wanted me there when she goes on hospice. I assured her that absolutely I will always be there for her and Ellis. I will be there as her supportive friend and help her in any way that I can. I was so honored that she asked me. I then shared with Peggy my belief about asking another for help, "The one whom you ask for help, needs it as much as you do."


WHAT SHE NEEDS

She was diagnosed with cancer years ago.
She amazes me with how she copes.
She never complains, but shows acceptance;
"It is just the way things are."

We have known each other for years.
We meet for lunch and will talk for hours.
She is realistic and open about her disease.
Ongoing chemotherapy for life.

She and her husband make us laugh.
They are goofy and funny at the same time.
There life is full of warmth and joy;
although with setbacks and hospitalizations.

The four of us met today to catch up on things.
As typical, over a long lunch.
Lots of stories with laughter mixed in;
along with time that quickly passed.

She is thinking about her future.
She knows her illness is taking a toll,
because after the meal she requested of me,
"When I go on hospice,
          I want you to be there."

I was honored and deeply moved,
and answered her from my heart,
"Yes, I will always be there for you."
It is what I needed,
          but so nice to know
                   that she needs it too.