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On a Good Friend Dying

I am losing a good friend to cancer very soon I am told he has been transferred to hospice, Reminding me of Robert Browning’s “Prospice” Like my dear Deborah, none of us are immune. In time we must all turn our faces to the light When we start out on that last fateful journey Where we need neither counselor nor attorney With our Great Creator and eternity in sight. I am sad that I will not see him again in flesh But I know he is “going to a much better place,” He was a man of infinite good will and grace And he will soon encounter new life a-fresh In a spiritual dimension someday we all can share I can see Richard’s entrance to great fanfare. written October 1, 2021

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Arthur Vaso

Date: 10/1/2021 9:18:00 PM

heart felt, I read he is going to better place, so I just assumed Canada! ( I deal with sadness with humor ) Great write.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/2/2021 8:51:00 AM

Arthur, I wish he could. OTOH, I suspect the future bodes very well for this kind, gentle soul. Your humor is delightful and brought a smile to my sadness. Thanks!

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 10/1/2021 4:41:00 PM

So sad. It comes to us all eventually. The older we become the more we think about it. As you wisely say Milton, your friend will be going to a better place. No more pain ,eternal peace. It is more painful to those he leaves behind and have known and loved him.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/1/2021 8:02:00 PM

Yes, 'tis true, Shirley. Right now I just hope they will keep him sedated. He is such a warm, thoughtful, personable soul, it grieves me to think that he may suffer like my Deborah did in her last two weeks. All of us know we are going to go one way or another at some time or another, but we all hope we can avoid suffering.