When they say they are scared, its not the same as your little sister being afraid of the dark.
They know whats coming, but don't know what it will feel like, or don't want to do it alone.
They're on the edge of the inevitable, does anyting happen after?
Will it hurt?
"Sit with me for a while," because who would want to be alone the last few moments of their life?
Care & Comfort thats what the chart says.
Some of the nurses think its just fluff her pillows, tuck her in and bring her a drink, and they roll their eyes apon hearing her plea. "Please sit with me for a while."
But they are to busy.
Don't stay in their too long you have work to do.
Too busy to really comfort her, show compassion, and love.
Can't it be more?
You know what will blow your mind,
sit with her for a while, rub her back, hold her hand, give her a hug.
And when she clutches your arm, rocking back and forth, and wispers "I'm so scared," tell me will you leave to do your work?
Its frightening to see her like this, to know that you will meet this final challenge one day, is that why you walk out?
How do you think she feels, the thing people fear the most is sitting right beside her.
and the silence following teaches you more than you will learn in school, as you search for something to say.

~Dra~
Originally written 9/17/2002
edited 2/18/2009