Dying

Death is strangely unknown but very familiar. It is a transition from life, as we know it, to... well, despite claims to the contrary, I don't think anyone really knows.
I returned to find that one of my friends has lung cancer. In the few weeks we have been here, her decline has been rapid. I saw her a few times at our local cafe for Saturday morning breakfast, and then suddenly she was in hospital - and probably not coming out.
This brought up all my fears about death - never the actual fact of it, but just that it would happen too soon. "I'm not ready to die - I still have too much to do."
Last Saturday I visited my friend in hospital. I went with quite a bit of trepidation. My experience there brought with it a sense of gratitude for the privelege of sharing this important time with her. She was so calm and present. And the process of dying was happening before my eyes.
People say that death is strange because one minute the person is there and the next they are not. I felt as though she was with us but also on her way.
I won't see Netty again. She has little time left and it is for her family. I wish her well on her journey and thank her for allowing me to share a part of it with her.