Texts......

Emails. Cell phones. Text messages. So many ways to quickly get in touch with people. Quick but also a little impersonal. Most texts I get are quick check-ins, or about a meeting that's changed, or a group text trying to organize a lunch gathering. Most texts are good. Some are not.

Two texts today from two different friends about their loved one who is now/suddenly going to be put on palliative care. Two friends who have been battling challenging diagnoses and it seems medical care can only do so much. 

One has been an amazing man.....with a cancer diagnosis expected to end his life at least five years ago. All this time he  has been a more-than-strong example of positive attitude in the face of new treatments and therapies. He beat the odds for a long, long time. Today this partner, who has loved him for years, sent me a message that my friend is in the hospital, can no longer communicate and the end is near.

The other is a new friend, someone we quickly grew to enjoy and were looking forward to building fun memories with him and his wife. His battle only began about six weeks ago with mystery symptoms, ongoing exams and diagnoses. He's been in and out of hospitals and rehab several times. Back in the hospital a few days ago his wife's quick text this morning said he's moving into palliative care. Her text was accompanied by a sad-face emoji.....and my eyes grew damp.

Shit. Just shit. Finding out by text and quickly responding by text......for now at least it's a way to keep in touch.