EXPECTATION

"Joy", thirty-four, was diagnosed with liver cancer three years ago. She went through chemotherapy treatment, although it was unsuccessful. Joy lives with a very close friend. Her friend will be available to help Joy as her needs increase..

Prior to the visit, I was feeling so sad as to what she had to deal with at such a young age. I had expectations of finding great sadness with feelings of unfairness. I prayed to have the words in order to give comfort.

Joy was sitting at her kitchen table when we walked in. She asked the nurse and I to sit with her. She sat so straight with a strong, precise personality. She had accepted her diagnosis and terminal status so easily. She was so matter-of-fact and realistic regarding her dismal future.

She had already initiated the End-of-Life Option Act, although wanted that available just in case she chose to go that route. She spoke so intellectually and so appreciated our visit and hospice support.

She was wise beyond her years. Life is what it is to her. She made decisions realistically without any regret or sadness. She was an amazing person with such a beautiful soul. I feel so honored to have met her.
 
EXPECTATION　

I expected this visit to be challenging.
Heart wrenching at the least.
It felt so unfair for someone so young
to suffer such a terminal diagnosis.

She was quietly sitting at the table
when we walked into her home.
Direct, precise, realistic.
In charge as to what lies ahead.

She had no fears about dying.
She totally accepted her dismal fate.
"We live. We learn and grow,
          and then we die."

Life and death were so simple to her.
Everything was just black and white.
She had a loving family and many friends;
calmly moving forward one day at a time.

She coped by seeing the goodness in each day.
She embraced what came her way.
She used light humor to cope;
appreciating all that she had.

My expectations never materialized.
She was so wise beyond her years.
An amazing teacher to us all.
Living her life truthfully;
the only way she knows;
          her way.