Supporting a Friend

I am in transit again, I shouldn't be, but my gut said to be there and stand by my friend as he says goodbye to his last parent. My friend has been in my life for twenty years, he is as consist ant as the sun rising. He always felt bad that I had spent so much of my life mourning the dead. Now within the last five years he has lost both of his beautiful parents. It will bring me home and center me as only these shared experiences can. I think of his Dad and I having a pint in Galway. Talking about cancer treatments, love and pursuing one's dreams. He thought the topics deserved more than a 'glass' of Guinness, and I guess he was right. A pint was in order. I had a strange feeling that that would be my last memory of him, and that has proven to be true. I had an equally beautiful talk with Tim's Mother that would also prove to be my last. You see they are a tough family that only speaks of illness and death when it draws very, very near. Mary turned to me in their bright sunny kitchen, filling me with Oreos and coffee. She tilted her head and said in a low lounge singing voice, "I am ready to go." It is a special honor to be witness to that moment when they verbalize that they have made peace with themselves.

So I scramble to find a way to carry me home. To hug and cry and be another friend in the wings. Be back soon.