For Marie

We met through the whipping post, both eager to find an outlet to express our common hatred for cancer. You've been at the heart of one of my life's great lessons. I don't need to know the sound of your voice, the expressions on your face, the idiosynchracies that define you to others in order to know who you are. We know each other well, we feel each other in this world without the use of any of our senses. When I read of Rachael's passing just now I became steeped in sorrow thinking of all that you've been through and all that you have left to endure. I wish there was a way to ease your pain, I wish the universe were more kind to you. There's only one thing left to say, and only you know what those three words are.