One Day

When blooms on dogwood trees exhaust their pollen supply,
stems of the red tulips tire and bend, and
leaves on daffodils fall limply to the ground,
we will continue to push our chairs back
so others can join the ever-growing circle
of smiling tear-marked faces
telling stories of Betsey
and the heart prints she leaves all over our lives.
We – family, friends, colleagues, patient families –
will grow the imaginary fingers and toes
needed to count
how very, very glad we are to
hold this Betsey thread that connects us
and how very grateful we are
to love and be loved by her.

~~~~~~~

Since Wednesday, we ride through Atlanta, enjoying the symphony of color as we drive from hotel to hospital to sit beside this amazing woman named Betsey Chambers, paying tribute to her life in memories and stories, smiles and the occasional irrepressible chortle. She is many things to many people, and it makes me hopping mad that the thug that goes by the name cancer will win – if by winning you mean shutting down her bodily organs, that is. But when it comers to kindness, intelligence, fun, laughter, and all things good, this bully doesn’t stand a chance because when the time comes, Betsey will live forever in our hearts and our stories. Our body memory will never forget the feel of her hug or the sight of her smile or the sound of her laughter or the myriad of ways she imprints our lives. All prayers, good energy, positive thoughts, and lit candles you’re willing to offer for ease and peace in her last days and for her family now and then will be mightily appreciated.