Vigil II

My friend about whom I wrote yesterday, hovering bravely on the edge of death, having been resolute about wanting sedation, not intubation, is still hanging on today. And despite the unidentified organism that has been filling her lungs and causing her breathing to be so labored, her stout heart has refused to yield.

Her husband, a doctor, and her other doctors are all amazed. They didn't expect her to last the night.

My wife, who has the same sort of grit as this woman, told me not to count her out.

Here is what is awesome about all this:

She is ready to die. Not once has she freaked out since being told she has a lethal diagnosis which only a tiny percentage of people - after awful treatment - survive.

"OK," she said, "let's get started."

I asked her early on if she was scared.

"No. I was scared when I watched my parents go through this, but I feel calm."

I have been accused, fairly, of being preoccupied with death. My friend has showed me what I have been eager to know. In order to live fully, bravely, give up fighting off death. It will find us sooner or later. Until then, live.