I started this discussion because of the news that two of my neighbors had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Margaret's cancer was treatable, and she is doing very well, probably in remission.
Cathy's cancer was not treatable. Yesterday she went into the last stage of dying, confused and struggling to breathe. One more adjustment of the medication will reduce her suffering.
Cathy was a good friend. She was not an easy friend, but she was very true. She was there when I needed her support. She was also there when we disagreed.
She home schooled two children and three grandchildren. Her adult children are self-employed, so they have been able to arrange their lives to be with her and their dad for the last several months.
There were still things she wanted to do before her death, but most got done. She was just 70 years old.
I walk past the house, I don't want to interrupt the family gathered around her.
There will be a community announcement when she dies.