I Am a True and Loyal Friend

I allowed my eyes to leak a bit today. I haven't allowed that to happen since I found out you were dying. I'm asking you to be strong and fight hard because I need you. You can't see me suffer knowing you're in pain and continue to have the resolve to fight back and defeat this awful disease.

I've loved you for fifty years. You, the sister I picked. I truly expected us to live long lives together, outlasting the rest and laughing how we outlived all the rest despite ourselves. I never planned for a life without you.

I'm grateful that you are fighting but I fear telling you that if the pain gets to be too much, it's okay to leave me.

When it's my turn, please have my place at your table ready...coffee, just how I like it and yes, an ashtray.