The Day After

Yesterday afternoon's baby shower was lovely. The mother-to-be looked radiant. It was everything a baby shower should be (no game were played, yay.) Watching the expectant couple open gift after gift, it was fun to see their faces as they realized the baby was indeed real, coming soon ... and bringing with her a whole lot of baggage.

The visit at the hospital that followed was tough. My emotions got a workout having both events back to back. In the span of a few hours, I was joyful, sad, hopeful, angry, bewildered, curious, and frustrated. My head was reeling.

For my sick friend, there are no easy answers. No wonder drugs. No magic potions. Just, very possibly, a Sophie's choice of who should live and who should die. It doesn't get more difficult than that.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Your suggestions helped me make the visit less about my apprehension and more about her comfort.