She has been in good spirits. She cheers us all up. She keeps us laughing. She entertains her nurses. She puts a smile on her doctor's face. She refuses to lie there in a hospital gown in her final days, opting to wear a sweater, hat and scarf or vest every day. She puts on her lipstick and earrings. She said, "I might as well have a good attitude about this." Wow. While this might not sound like a human being who is about to take their last breath, there is no doubt about it, her days are numbered, and not very long.
Needless to say, my painting, furniture shopping and lake going has come to a halt. It's okay. There are more important things in life than home decor. Although my friend would have a hard time agreeing. Laying in her bed, the first few days she was in hospice, and the doctors have since said they were not sure she would make it thru the night, she uttered the words, "Would you say this is taupe or tan?" I had no idea what she was talking about. Her nurse looked at me very oddly. But I knew without doubt, that was what she said. Two days later when she woke up stronger and benefitting from a steroid they gave her, she proclaimed she did not know what color her room is, but she wouldn't have chosen it. Ha ha!
So apparently room decor is pretty important.
Which leads me to an unfinished project. My step son's room and the adjacent bathroom. Ah well, they will be finished eventually. And when it is done, it will not be taupe or tan. On that, you can depend. And it will no longer be referred to as the stepson's room. No. It will be the g-baby's room, for when she comes to visit. So, with all of life, rebirth and rejuvenation are the key to going on.
It will be hard to lose a friend who has been with me my whole life. I can't imagine ever replacing her. But one thing I have learned is to keep friends who are dear to you close at hand. And make room for more.
