Suffering.

It’s on my mind a lot.

I am not the one suffering, but a dear friend is. She has ALS, and it is progressing rapidly.

With a completely intact mind, a nurses knowledge included, she has a body that is failing her. She cannot walk. Talk. Eat or drink.

She is beloved by so many. The prayers of hundreds are covering her.

I don’t want her to suffer.

I know she is suffering.

Her army of friends, many nurses, go visit her. Tell her stories. Make her laugh. Cry with her. Look into her eyes and say things we hope help her.

Ten years ago, my best friend at the time died.

She had devoted her life to service of others. First as a neonatal cardiac nurse, then as a stay home mom to her five kids when she remarried.

Following an ugly divorce and situations beyond her control, she lost custody of her two small children. Rich husbands tend to win in court.

Shortly thereafter, she got breast cancer.

She died of metastatic cancer within a few years.

She suffered. She knew she was leaving her kids, and she was an amazing mother. And sister. And daughter. And friend.

I don’t want anyone to suffer, and especially not those I love.

It’s not easy to watch – but it is nothing compared to what they are going through.

It’s hard to be with the suffering. Be there anyway.