Sadness

   I am sad. Today a friend phoned and told me he has not one, but two types of cancer.  One is rare and aggressive.  My words deserted me.  All I could mumble was "I am so sorry," as the story tumbled out of him.  Cancer has never invaded my personal life this closely before.  Until now, cancer has remained at arm's length; mostly members of my congregation or occasionally a friend's parent.  Now it has come to call on a friend and I am sad.
    The urge to try and fix it, make it better, is strong.  Not the appropriate response.  Experience says the most helpful thing to do is to simply sit and listen; to sit with him in his confusion, anger and disbelief.  As hard as that maybe, it is the only gift I have to offer in these days.  He has brought joy to my life.  He will be the source of some of my secret smiles when I grow old.  I will remember in my dotage his kindness, creativity and wit.  My grandchildren will ask me what I am smiling about and I simply will reply, "A friend," and it will be him.
    My prayer is that the days ahead are a painless and as comfortable as possible for him.  May he be surrounded by the love of family and friends, acts of compassion and tenderness, and places of deep peace.  May there be companionship along way with a good dose of belly laughs and a growing awareness of the gift that he is to world.
    Tonight I am sad.