When someone is dying, we don’t know what to do. We’re uncomfortable and not sure of what to do or say. Think about what this dying person is thinking and feeling as a friend visits. Then you’ll know exactly what matters to them.
Today, once again, you’ve brought me joy. Lying here, my body winding down in preparation to meet my God, I don’t get much joy. You’ve sat by my bed these weeks and given me your friendship. You’ve read the newspaper to me, stopping to make comments on how humans take ourselves ‘way too seriously. You read that new book by the author I love, aloud, cover to cover. You excused yourself so the hospice people could care for me, then returned and handed me a sip of water before settling in to watch TV with me, making fun of the commercials. You always start your visit with news about people we both know, and reminiscences of happy times. Then, as I grow tired, you stay while I nap, knitting quietly, reaching out to touch my hand from time to time so I don’t feel alone. Finally, we pray together, and you say, “See you later.” I know that’s true, either tomorrow or in Heaven. You are a true friend. You are true Joy.