Grossing the River of Oblivion

"I am very sick " a dearest friend of mine told me the other day "And I think my time has come" She continued with a bitter smile. I looked at her with compassion for I knew she was right and tried to find words to console her but none was willing to come to my aide! Really, what could anyone say in moments like this? I took her hand into mine, caressed it, and looked at her deep into her eyes and said: " My beloved friend, even the youngest and the healthiest of people that exists now, one day would find themselves in your position for it is the fate of all us mortals. Some who are healthy and much younger than you at the very moment would cross on the other side, because of an unforeseen event, sooner than they expected." As I finished my little speech she turned toward me with a broad smile and so she replied: " How foolish of me to complain about my predicament, when I knew from the beginning of my life that I am mortal." Then she slightly pressed her hand on mine as though she wished to give emphasis to her words and in a whisper added: " Do not worry my friend, I am ready to face my destiny. I have no regrets, just gratitude for this marvelous experience, called life!" Those were her last words to me.* © Demetrios Trifiatis 09 March 2020 *A true story. She departed two days after our conversation. She was not even forty and left behind four children. RIP