Journalism allows its readers to witness history;
fiction gives its readers an opportunity to live it.
~ John Hersey (American – Writer / June 17, 1914 – March 24, 1993)
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Yesterday a good friend of mine died.
She was 91.
She didn’t have COVID-19 but was very adversely affected by the restrictions. She lived in a “Retirement Community” so visitors haven’t been permitted. She had problems with varicose veins, so she couldn’t shower except when her leg compression socks were being changed. The VON, being overwhelmed was irregular with it’s appointments and the staff was unable to stay to put the compression socks back on after she had a shower. So my dear friend wasn’t able to have a shower since March 17th and was only able to have a sponge bath.
Due to rotary cuff issues she wasn’t able to wash her own hair. Visits to the hair dresser were not permitted during the state of emergency and are just permitted this week. So my dear friend, a former Avon Sales Rep, who was always well groomed, hasn’t been able to have her hair washed since March 17th.
My friend was admitted to hospital for testing due to extreme tiredness (and probably depression). She was subjected to many tests and scans. They found she had blood clots, congestive heart failure and a 8 cm Kidney tumor (Kidney tumors are 95% cancerous). Due to her weakened state and age she probably wouldn’t survive any surgeries. My friend decided to have no treatments and requested the she just be “let go”. The doctors estimated she would probably only live 1-4 months.
Her daughter caught a flight home (at a cost of 4x normal due to COVID-19) and was able to say good bye to her mother in person.
Amazingly her favorite musician called her and played music for her via phone call during her last moments: “Take Me Home Country Roads”.
My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family today…And with all others who are struggling with the COVID-19 restrictions.
Porte Photos 