It was our friend Sharon calling Friday morning to say that her 75 year old brother Jim had just passed away. He had been in hospice care for the past two weeks, his pancreatic cancer in its final stages.
It's always hard to lose a friend to cancer, especially when social distancing protocols had prohibited our visits since his diagnosis in March. Somehow, phone calls just didn't cut it.
Jim lived at the margins of society. We tried to bring him a modicum of joy by hosting his annual birthday party in December. As well, when he lived a bit closer, we would send over the occasional meal or help by picking up a prescription for him. But in truth, the reality of his solitary life was impossible for me to fathom. If life is a deck of cards, then I was given the aces while Jim was dealt the twos and threes.
Although not a religious man, at the end, Jim knew where he was headed and I can only hope that gave him peace and security.
I only wish I had been a better friend.
As well as reminding me of my own imperfections, Jim's passing also brings to mind something said so very long ago by another man who was marginalized by the powers that be.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the Earth.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
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