Oh, my sweet lady, you are doing one of the bravest things any friend can do! I am assuming that because Cathy is in hospice this a terminal illness. You are brave, not because you are looking death in the face, but because you are looking your FRIEND in the face, despite the fact that she is on a road we don't want to even think about, let alone be on. A lot of people find it so impossible to think of someone having a "terminal illness" that they refuse to talk with the person about it, won't admit of the possibility that it isn't going to get better. When the sick person wants to speak important things of endings, perhaps final wishes, perhaps just fear of what's happening, what will happen, sometimes people cut them off with "Oh, don't talk like that, you'll be out of here before you know it. Everything will be fine!" People who are terminally ill know it. And that's why I think you are so very brave, because you are obviously listening to your friend Cathy, she's comfortable with you, she loves you enough to ask you to feed her, which is such a loss of power and self-reliance. You are brave enough to stay with her through the hardest thing she will ever do in this life; you will do this hardest thing together. And it may be even harder for you, because you'll still be here when her journey is over. And you'll miss her terribly. I don't blame you for crying in the car, this is a terrible situation to go through. I hope your girls night out gives you the strength, the laughter, the fellowship to return to the hospice again and share all those good feelings with Cathy. I know it's hard, it's hurting you, but you are being so real a friend to her at this time that I'm sure you're being blessed somehow. I will remember you and Cathy in my prayers and loving thoughts. Please take care, cry on our shoulders when you need to, you are such a brave loving friend. Hugs, Marji

Oh! Cindy this has brought tears to my eyes. I've just got off the phone (5.45pm here in Newcastle Friday evening) to one of the ladies who comes to my Annual Christmas luncheon. She is Mum's friend Babs - if you've seen the photos they even look alike.

Well, that isn't really true as her sister Diana (my friend) answered the phone and said she was sleeping - you see Babs is also on her final journey. She can't walk now and is in bed most of the time. Luckily for her she is in no pain. Poor Diana said it is heartbreaking and for Babs she feels embarrassed that her family and friends have to look after all her needs. What you are doing is wonderful, my best friend Margaret and I often talked about her dying and it was a relief she said to have someone to confide in. We don't talk enough about death in today's society. It's such a taboo subject. We are all going to die, but I think when it comes our time it's wonderful to have someone to be able to talk with.

My prayers and thoughts are with you Cindy and also with Cathy. There is nothing more you can do than to love her and you are doing that in your words and by your actions and deeds. God bless you. Love and blessings Chris

Cindy thinking of you - have a cyber hug I think you probably need one. What a great friend you are

I feel what you are going throuth. I did the same with my dad you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs of you because I know how hard it is. If I ever had to been like Cathy, I hope I have a friend like you. You are the best.

God bless you! You are a truly good friend and an angel on earth,Cathy is lucky to have a friend like you.

Read, I feel your heart break, I am so glad you are there for Cathy. I know it's hard, but I have seen so many die that had no friends or fmly or even a God to call upon for comfort, they had only us, the nurses to care & this is so sad. God will bless you 2 fold for being there for her, for your heart of gold. I lift you both up in my prayers/Lillian

Cindy, what a wonderful friend Cathy has!!!! The fact that she trusted your love enough to show that she was so weak she couldn't feed herself is a true testament to your friendship. I pray that your "Chicks" give you enough gas to make it through the days to come and you are revived enough to go back in that room and love on Cathy some more. ;)

My dear Cindy, I know how you must have felt - this isn't an easy task for you - but you are strong and brave and you were asked to be there for a reason - she knew she could count on you to be with her in the end. You and her God are all she will need when she crosses over - I know you know how to talk to her about these things and you will at the right time.

It is sad - when you see one so gravely ill that they have to have help to eat - the good thing is - that she is eating - for now.

Take your night out with the chicks and enjoy yourself - you deserve it.

I will be praying for you and Cathy both

I hope the brake will refresh you enough. I know how hard it is to watch a loved one go through pain. Prayers for both of you. Big hug for you. Angie

Cindy, Kathy is very lucky to have a friend like you. It is good for you to take a break and be with your sewing friends.

You have many messages of comfort all I can add is-God will hold you in the palm of his hand for being such a wonderful friend.
Hugs
Elizabeth

I can't imagine going through this with my best friend...I would imagine there will be more tears but I know you will be so thankful when you look back and know how thankful and comforted Cathy was because you were there....may God give you strength and even peace and may He hold you when Cathys time comes....I will continue to pray.