Carolyn

I met her only months ago.  She was the first face we saw each time we went there . . . always offering a warm, friendly greeting in the midst of her busy day.  It was her smile that instantly put us at ease and helped stave off the fear and dread of going there so often.  I wonder if she knew what a difference she made.  I should have told her.

I liked her.  She was lovely and gentle, intelligent and interesting.  I hoped we could be friends outside the medical environment where we met.  I wonder if she knew . . . I should have told her.

Two Fridays ago we had a lively conversation, ending with her saying we'd handle the scheduling of Mom's appointment the following Monday.  But when I returned, her chair was empty . . ." back pain", they said.

A few days later, chair still empty, they said "Birmingham hospital".  The next time we saw her empty chair, they said "not doing well".

Yesterday we learned that her chair would be forever empty.  But just two weeks ago  we laughed and exchanged stories of childhood.  I am heartbroken.  I appreciated her.  I wonder if she knew.  I should have told her.