I found this little story on my web page marys arthritis. It brought back memories. I thought I would share.

I said goodby to Susan today.  She has had a very interesting time of it.  Her life was full.  No one can ask for more.  I knew her for a brief period.  I was glad of it.  It was an important period in her life as well as in mine.

I met her at a cancer support group.  She was angry as she had recently learned of a serious metastasis.  I had had a whirlwind bout  with a diagnosis of RA and sequentially two cancers.  I was trying to process as well as she.

I saw her as the chemo failed and as she was denied her favorites of swimming and yoga.  I saw her as the last chemo drug failed.  She lost her anger and frustration.  She seemed to mellow.  Then she moved on.  She became engaged in planning her exit.

The last day in our breast cancer group, we made bracelets.  She gave me hers.  She used red beads as I was wearing red that day.  We had our final hug.

She has been on my mind since.  Today was her memorial service.  It was amazingly wonderful.  I loved her and will miss her.  Today as I said goodby, I still had her with me.  She has her own special place in my heart.