My Facebook friend

Some time ago, I saw a post on FB from someone I knew, saying that he had just been diagnosed with a generalized form of cancer, and that the fearsome enemy had invaded his liver and lungs...

What can we say in such circumstances? There seems to be a certain uneasiness that prevails, and after all, that's the cycle of life. I read people's responses, which were summed up in the following words: Good luck, my heart is with you!

Few days later, his brother wrote a disturbing note: I'm in ER with my brother! I thought the end was approaching... A few days later, he was transferred to a hospital in Montreal.

He continued to write messages and updates on his situation. He stayed at first in the ER, and after he got a room. He wrote: for those who would like to see me, I am in this room...

I hadn't seen him in over twenty years, and yet I felt this message like a call... I thought he'd appreciate a visit. I took a moment and went over to say hello on my lunch break. 

I had no idea whether he'd recognize me, and even less whether he'd be appreciative of this unexpected visit. 

He was frail, but welcoming. It's obvious he wasn't expecting me... We've changed physically since we last saw one another.

I kept him company while he ate his omelette with beet. He seemed to be enjoying this dish cooked by a chef who isn't likely to win a Michelin star any time soon.

We talked about many things. I confided to him that he seemed so involved with soccer and MLS that at one point I thought he was general manager of the Impact or CF Montreal. That made him laugh! He told me how proud he was that the metropolis would also have a women's team, to be called the Roses.

He told me that his only regret was not having had children. I can understand that, because I haven't had any either myself.

The cancer is not curable, and no treatment or therapy will stop it. He's waiting for a room in the palliative care unit. I felt lucky to be able to greet him while he was still alive! Too many people will be grieving for him once he's gone. He still has so much to tell, and I hope his final chapter, as he calls it, will be gratifying and happy.

I admire his courage and resilience, and wish him many visits so that people can realize how great he is! My regret is that I didn't get to know him better sooner, because he's exceptional, and I'm sure we would have been good friends... much more than a Facebook friend!

Spending quality time with inspiring people is a gift of life!