Trudy

Cancer brought them together.  As strangers they sat a chair apart while the chemotherapy dripped slowly into their veins.  Then one spoke to the other and in an instant a friendship was born; an eternal friendship.

Their cancers were different, but the fight the same.  A fight against something unseen with very visible effects.  Mom and Trudy understood the other perfectly; words were not necessary between them.  Their silence could speak of the fears dared not to be uttered.

Laughter often rose above their conversations bringing them both feelings of peace and joy.  Positive people by nature they both knew cancer may be their battle, but it would not rob them of their life.  There isn't a coffee shop in town that hadn't lost a table for an entire afternoon when they got together, and with it their light hearted laughter would be heard.

Small gifts for the other gave tokens of encouragement.  A flower, a card, a bottle of wine were reminders they had someone who understood; a friend who thought of the other and prayed for them daily.  Mom and Trudy were never alone. 

Mom could only watch as Trudy's cancer got stronger; the fight making her weaker.  As the battle got harder, Mom visited her friend often.   She called the house this morning to ask what time she should come visit her friend.  Trudy's daughter told Mom the news you pray against but know you will one day hear.  Trudy's fight is over.

A short time later, there is a knock at the door.  Mom wipes her tears and opens the door. A bouquet of flowers is handed to her by a couple from church.  Unaware of Mom's loss, they had randomly picked up the flowers and simply thought Mom would like them.  But Mom knew.  She knew in a way that only God can do, Trudy was speaking to her again without words; the flowers a final gift from Trudy.

Cancer brought them together and cancer separates them now.  Trudy is no longer a phone call away.  While Trudy is now cancer free, Mom is left to fight her fight without her friend at her side.  Yet Mom rejoices, for she knows the next time she sees Trudy they will both be free of that which brought them together.   The streets will be gold and the flowers, well, they will be plenty.