My friend and neighbor had been a nurse for almost 40 years. She stopped working the day after she got diagnosed with cancer. Her front yard is a statement of thanks from patients she helped throughout the years. She never liked cut flowers, gave them away, only kept the potted plants. “They don’t die,” she said and planted them around their house. I have a feeling it was more than just a statement but a reflection of a job that has its dark sides.
She is on hospice for almost two weeks and ever since, our small street is full of cars. The hospital she worked sent their staff and there are many. Nurses, doctors come by in shifts 24/7 -day and night. When family and friends stop by they leave and give them privacy. Most wait in the car, take a nap or go for a short walk. They take care of a woman who took care of others all her life, and watching it from across the street makes me smile.
Caretakers taking care of one of their own.
I have been right all along. The majority of people are good, they have a big heart, we just don’t hear much about it -I wish we would.
I wrote this yesterday, didn’t have the time to finish my post. Today first thing in the morning it all became PAST TENSE. My friend and neighbor passed away earlier today. Now, just a few hours later, the streets are empty again.
So sorry for the loss of your friend. It sounds like she was surrounded by many who loved her in the end, a perfect place to be when you slip away.
Great piece , Bridget!
I read this on the day you wrote it but I was hurrying and did not want to leave a hurried response. I wanted to take the time to thank you for this lovely post. This caring reminder of those that care for those in the direst of need. And to remark that I am sad to see that your neighbor has now passed on. She was clearly a wonderful woman. I never met her, never will but such a dignified end is a proud end to a life well lived.
She was a great woman, a funny one as well. I appreciate you taking your time to comment -I suppose that’s the right way of doing it and I should remember that once in a while.
Oh my! What a poignant observation you’ve made! It is good to know that your neighbor died with some recognition from others of what she’d contributed to the world. I wonder if there’s anymore we can ask at the end, but to hope we’re well thought of. And I think you’re also so right (and helpful) to recognize that there really are good people in the world. Let’s not let the current pervading mode rob us of this important truth. I’m sorry for the loss to you in the passing of a good neighbor.
Thank you Debra. I agree with you 100%, it is us who can change the outlook on the world. Not all is bad, not all is lost! 🙂
Beautiful and sad. She was well loved by those who knew her, a sign of a life well-lived <3
Thank you!
I can’t help it – my eyes welled up even before I got to the end.
It is a sad story and heartwarming at the same time.
Thanks for sharing this, Bridget. It’s nice to be reminded of the good people in the world 💕
This is beautiful…thank you for sharing❤️
I’m sorry to hear about your friend, but very glad she had so much support from people that loved her. That’s the best way to go.
I remember several years ago my siblings and I were having dinner with a friend, and we were lamenting another semi crash, where another family had been annihilated. The family had been involved in many good causes, beautiful children, and engaged, supportive parents. Our friend sadly asked why only good people were killed. My brother said quietly that he thought the world was filled with good people, more good than bad, and so statistically it would happen that many good people died in crashes. I’ve always remembered that…that there truly are good people everywhere. Your friend was lucky to have so many rally around her. But I suppose it’s not unusual; when a good person needs help, more good people come to the aid.
I hope she was aware enough to appreciate all the love and caring
Poor little thing. I am glad she had so many loving visitors and that any suffering has ended for her.
A lovely recall of a caring lady. There are so many caring people, still, in the world, and we tend to forget the fact because the media concentrates on the nastiness, and the uncaring. It sells!
Thank you for the reminder Bridget.
Yes, unfortunately bad news and hate sells better than love and good news. What doesn’t make any sense to me!
Thanks for sharing the story despite the sad ending. It’s heartening to realize that yes there are a lot of good people in the world (still), and to hear about a good story for once. Thank you. I’m sure your lovely neighbor is enjoying her rewards…it sounds like she gave a lot to others and got in return.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, she deserved all the care they gave her and so much more. Her fight is over, the pain is gone. The rest is up to our imagination and a wish with wings.