Death of a close friend

[jyl]

We have a friend. Call her “A”. She’s a gorgeous woman, in her seventies and a “senior model”, sexy silver hair, bone structure for miles, slim, long legs, I recently saw her in a fashion show, she was radiant and lovely.

A lost her long battle with cancer. Everywhere now, organs, bones, and starting brain.

My wife and a cadre of A’s neighbors have been taking care of her, my wife has been taking her to doctors’ appointments, working with hospice, doing the paperwork. My wife is a Death Doula, which is like a Birth Doula but eases the person’s exit from life. I guess she’s helped 15 people now, but this is her first very close friend.

Today A had her hair done, the doctor came, set up the button to administer the drug, and A pushed it. She’s planned her Death With Dignity for months and it was time. I spent an hour with her on Wednesday, we talked almost like old times, she was clear eyed and alert, experiencing the prenatural heightened senses that can precede death. I kissed her forehead for a long time.

74. Damn. That’s only 12 years older than me.l

[WPOZZZ]

Condolences. She went with dignity, peace and with friends around.

[KFC911]

Your wife sounds like a hospice nurse (my former gf was one) ... angels.

Best to you John and condolences to you all...

May she RIP ... her way.

Tears ....

[rfuerst911sc]

It's never easy to lose someone close to you . But I must say she left on her terms . With grace and dignity , can't ask for more than that in my opinion . RIP to your friend.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend John, she sounds like an extraordinary woman who, "I recently saw her in a fashion show, she was radiant and lovely. ... Today A had her hair done, ..." went out on her own terms. Bravo to her for finishing what must have been a great life, strong. And to you and your wife and neighbors for being there with her.

[unclebilly]

Sorry for your loss. It sounds like A was strong and dignified right to the end.

Condolences.

[NY65912]

Sorry for your loss. She was very brave and your wife very compassionate. Godspeed

[cantdrv55]

So sorry for your loss. I think it takes a special kind of person to take care of someone dying.

[pavulon]

It's rough for those still alive but is the only relief for the afflicted. RIP A.

[HobieMarty]

My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your friend. She was very fortunate to have such special people in her life right up until the end, and she also maintained her dignity until the end of her life. She will continue to live on in your memories.

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[masraum]

My condolences to you and your wife and A's family and friends.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by HobieMarty

My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your friend. She was very fortunate to have such special people in her life right up until the end, and she also maintained her dignity until the end of her life. She will continue to live on in your memories.

Humanity is dignity...well written, HM.

[wdfifteen]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. She sounds amazing!

[LWJ]

Sorry for your loss. I applaud A for her exit. My HS buddy died a couple months ago and he fought it and was in denial the entire time. A made a braver and better choice.

[herr_oberst]

I'm sorry for your loss, jyl. You and Mary (and your kids) have more compassion for humanity than anyone I've ever known, by far.

Thanks for sharing "A"'s story. Very humbling.

[Scott Douglas]

My condolences on the loss of what sounds like a real nice friend.

I recently got a call from a friend I've had for close to 65 yrs now. He lost a real close friend to a massive heart attack a week ago. He'd mentioned this friend in numerous other conversations with me for, well, quite some time. I could feel the pain of his loss, the same as I can feel yours.

We'll both be 74 this summer.

Rest in peace to 'A', and again, I'm sorry for your loss.

[Baz]

A loyal friend, a girl that loves you, and a purpose in life. You just hit the lottery.

[fanaudical]

I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. I'm sure she appreciated her time with you and your family.

[oldE]

Cherish those memories. Thank you for sharing that bit of her with us.
Hugs to all.
Best
Les

[jhynesrockmtn]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. She sounds amazing. So do you and your wife. She is doing a much needed service of caring, but it must be really tough. She sounds like an angel on earth. Best.