When Fem Friday is More Important Than the Election

What could be more important than the most important election in history according to social media? When a Fem Friday is in the ICU.

The last time I saw her we met at a restaurant. We closed out the restaurant that day. We laughed in the parking lot about how 4 hours felt like 20 minutes. But now I was on my way to a hospital I had not been at in over a decade an a city I’ve not been to in almost as many years.

When I walked into her hospital room I was not prepared for what I was about to see. She was intubated and on a respirator. I sat at her bedside and felt something inside me break.

I spoke softly to her assuming she was not awake. Her eyes fluttered opened. She knew I was here.

I swiftly learned she could nod and shake her head. I had mentioned I wished I had brought a book to read to her. She nodded emphatically. I went to my cell phone and installed my kindle app. I knew most of my books on my app were not her scene. But for some reason I had Anne of Green Gables in the library. I asked her if that would be alright. She nodded and there was a hint of a smile.

I read aloud. She closed her eyes.

Eventually nursing staff came in and told me that visiting hours had ended some time ago. I did my best to get more time but I was not not winning this fight. 4 hours felt like 20 minutes again, but there was no laughter this time.

Tuesday morning I returned with poetry books that I knew she would like.

I sat at her bedside and read poetry. She extended her hand and took mine. What broke in me the previous night mended a little in that moment. I continued to read poems to her and turned pages with one hand. I stayed in the moment until I had to leave.

One of the doctors told me that in her current state and her meds she will not remember any of this. I am glad that the pain will be forgotten, but I am the only one who will remember the moment of her hand in mine and eyes that smiled for a moment.

In this moment I no longer care about the election news and the continuing vapid memes. I am not interested in arguing with anyone on social media. 2 Fem Friday women I know personally have passed and I don’t wish to say good bye to another one. I love my life more than I ever had, but for personal reasons, I don’t like outliving my friends.

In regard to the election, if the women of Fem Friday taught us anything, it is that regardless what they endure, they fight like hell. They did not win every battle, but they fought like hell and I hope my friend and women don’t stop.

Some will say that it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of a few little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. I think the little people and forgotten moments are all that makes this crazy world bearable.

Life is short. Spend it with those who matter while you can.

Stay Totally Awesome!

Stay True to You!

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