THE LAST MOMENT
Why now?
Maybe a third opinion would contradict the other two sentences. Wonder if an appeal to a higher court would do any good? But then, there is no higher court available; is there? Well - there is one if you believe in it.
Those doctors don’t know everything and besides, they’re just estimated guesses on their part anyway.
How many days are there in “a couple of months” anyway? Minutes sound way better. There must be millions of them in that kind of time frame. Who the hell ever said “live life to the fullest” or “make every minute count?”
A couple of months huh. Well that’s about one hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred minutes; so, reckon I’d better get on with it.
Let’s see - do you tell folks outside the immediate family or not? Probably should let a few close friends in on the pending developments. Don’t need no damn pity parties though that’s for sure.
How many times have you heard, “Didn’t they look good.” Hell no - they’re dead! Why can’t people accept the fact that we all come to the same parting sooner or later?
It’s how you filled in all the blanks in between that really counts. Could you have done better? Been better? Acted better? Of course, but just what would you have changed if you got a “do over?”
Don’t believe that old stick about “hindsight” being 20-20 either. You only get to use that useless old axiom after you screwed up and many times way down the road from the event. A little “foresight” might work out for the best this time.
How would folks react to an advanced revelation of what awaits in the near future? Is something like this easier to accept after the fact or is some foreknowledge of the inevitable more palatable to swallow?
We’ve had a decent time together given the usual calculations of this relationship when held up to the average span of years. She shouldn’t have to leave at this early phase of her life. But, other factors have dictated that the departure is unavoidable.
Is she aware of what’s happening to her? What will we say at the last moment? Will she understand what is happening?
You can carry the memories. Can you also carry the pain?
Farewell Smokiejoe!
