my friend Jane....

Today is a blue day, outside is cloudy and grey.

Today I went to visit my friend, and next door neighbor, Jane. She is now living at Hospice.... That means she is at the end of her life, and that makes me sad. 

When I went in, I didn't know quite what to do as it is not a hospital, but more like a house. A sad house, no one usually leaves there after they arrive as a patient. People go there to live out the final "days" of their life that they have been living, but now have succombed to illness and it has taken over the vibrance and life they once had.

Jane has become fraile, and weak, she can't really speak anymore and she could barely open her eyes. But when I  came in, I spoke to her in loving words and asked her if she knew who I was, she said yes, in her very weak but familiar voice. She tried to give me a smile, and struggled to do so.

I just talked to her for a little while, and then a friend of hers came in from her church, she didn't say much, but brought flowers, Jane didn't notice or acknowledge the flowers. I didn't bring her flowers, How could she enjoy them? what would it matter?

After a few minutes, her sons Greg and Adam came in, I know them from the pictures Jane would show me and tell me how proud she was of her boys.... They were welcoming to me, and we all sat and talked for a little while..... mostly small talk about Chicago where they are from and the restaurant they own.  Small issues to life..... Jane would move a little and then 2 more friends came in, and I went over and introduced my self to them... they were kind and you could tell they knew Jane and she had been a good friend to them. I then felt I should go, so we talked for a few more minutes with her, she would listen to us with her eyes closed, and then she would hear something, a familiar voice and give us one of her sweet smiles. Greg put some salve on her lips as they are dry and cracked..... she can no longer wet them herself. So as I was about to go, I told Jane, I miss her and love her and I would try to come again to see her. I have no idea if I will be able to beat death out of another visit, but hopefully so. Her son's leave at 5am tomorrow to go back to Chicago, they probably won't be back, so that is sad!

Frank and Jane have been good friends, more like role models and a little like parents at times.  I am blessed to have known Jane, she is a sweet and loving lady.... She will be greatly missed!