And Then There Was One

Our lives intersected when our children met, fell in love and married. We shared November 2nd as our birth date.  We shared the joyous celebrations of watching our children join in marriage and the recent birth of our first grandchild.  We also shared in the battles against cancer; she with her monster, me with mine.  

I just spent 17 days in Texas, I saw Jean each of those days but in my heart I could see the signs her monster was winning.  We sat next to the other for supper the night before my flight back to Colorado the next morning. Having been involved with many death situations I could see its' signs on her face, in her body movements and could hear it in her breathing and her voice. She had already been looking weaker beginning 3 days prior.  When her son walked her home, next door, I told my daughter to say whatever she needed to say to Jean because I believed her time was short.

Even before my daughter returned home from taking me to the airport Jean had gone to the ER, was given fluids for dehydration then released to go off for chemo.  After her treatment she was in physical distress and ultimately was re-admitted to the hospital.  She fought hard but mid-afternoon of  December 1st Jean's monster won the final battle. In honor of her I'll put the finishing touches on the sweet quilt she was making for our grand-daughter.

Now there is only one of us and I will continue to fight; but Jean, you are free of the monster.... now fly away. I pray God rests your soul.