Abstract
When you walk into the room and tell me “No one understands”
Should I tell you?
When you cry and tell me “Life is just not fair. Why me?”
Should I tell you?
When you talk about your fears about the memories you may miss
Should I tell you?
When I look into your eyes and see the pain that you endure
Should I tell you?
When I hear the tremble in your voice, and see the tears welting up
Should I tell you?
When you smile thinking about your kids and then remember you have cancer
Should I tell you?
When you say, “I just don't want to deal with it anymore”
Should I tell you?
When you need my help opening up your water bottle and you blurt out, “I just want my old self back”
Should I tell you?
When you exclaim, “It's not easy being given a death date!”
Should I tell you?
When you tell me, “I just don't want to be a burden”
Should I tell you?
Should I tell you, as someone whose parent had terminal cancer, I understand you?
Should I tell you, I too have uttered the words of life is just not fair and questioned why him?
Should I tell you, the pain in your eyes, is one I too share?
Should I tell you, it's okay to cry, because I want to cry too?
Should I tell you, the moments you fear you'll miss will be carried on in your memory?
Should I tell you, that while you feel as though you are a burden, I can assure you, you are not?
Should I tell you, during my time with you, you have taught me that while life is full of unpredictability, love remains a constant?
Should I tell you, that the fear of the death date is one I also feared, as it was near?
Should I tell you, during my time with you, you have shown me it is never a bad time to smile and laugh at the good, the bad and the ugly?
Should I tell you, during my time with you, you have taught me what it means to have hope even during the darkest of times?
Should I tell you, during my time with you, you have shown me the meaning of strength through vulnerability and through shame?
Should I tell you, my time with you was valued, was cherished and will be a memory of mine for years to come?
Should I tell you?