Laughter and ability to be cheerful, more than coping--joy

[Guest guest]

One of my dearest friends with cf, who died some years ago, having

chosen NOT to risk transplant, which was then in its early stages, re-

mained, as he had been all his life, cheerful and joyful. Then, the day

that his doctors said, " We can help to ease you out; we can control the

pain--whatever you want--hear or at home, he chose his friendly hospi

tal, received only three visitors other than his parents, me among them, and

closed the doors on the outside world and prepared for the end.

I drove to his hospital room--this is before the infection precautions--

and we stayed up most of the night watching ridiculous movies at least

three times a week. He had outlived his fraternal twin sister; his dear

parents were exhausted, but he knew who his dear friends were, and

then came the last movie, and he turned to me, and said, dry-eyed and

with a smile, " We have come a long way together; will you continue on

for ME? " I promised that I would, and left him that evening, knowing that

he might well not survive the night. He did not. But he was ever of good

cheer, ready to experience joy, and, as I found out later, chose to die

virtually alone. His parents were called that morning, after he had gone,

at his request. He had lived an extremely joyful life and one of service

to others. He had not only coped; he had not merely survived; he had

well and truly lived. I do not think that he would want his name mention

ed, but many will know of whom I speak. If only we could each live so

well, and help our children to do so also.

Love to all at cfparents who help me to live joyfully,

n Rojas