Kindness
For someone who’s life was filled with so much hardship, even before you had leukemia, you were the kindest soul. You were homeless, so naturally life challenged you in a way so many, including me, will never understand. Despite your circumstances, you never complained about anything. I’ll never forget your adorable smile. Your smile resembled that of Dopey’s, one of the seven dwarfs, with your big grin, bashful eyes, and miniature chubby cheeks. The littlest things made you so happy, and you took nothing for granted.
I’ll never forget how happy you were when I told you I could get you a second pair of hospital socks, something you couldn’t enjoy daily. You had a love for your morning cup of coffee. I still remember your coffee order; two coffees, with 8 creams and 8 sugars on the side. Unfortunately, your coffee never stayed warm long enough and the little coffee cups from the kitchen quickly became overfilled once your 8 creams were added. Your coffee was impossible to stir without it ending up all over you. One day I brought in a coffee mug with a lid for you. This way, you could fully enjoy your morning cup of coffee, as you deserved. Your face lit up like a child’s face on Christmas morning. You had the same reaction when your doctor found out that you liked listening to the radio, and she brought you a handheld one to sit on your bedside table while you were in the hospital. You were so grateful for these things that so many of us take for granted.
I couldn’t understand why you could be so kind and grateful, when others who have everything they could want and more, can be so rude. You had so many reasons to be angry. In fact, I wouldn’t have blamed you for it, especially when you found out there were no more treatment options for your leukemia. However, you never showed even a hint of anger. You offered nothing but kindness to the world, and we needed more people like you. So, why did you have to go?
Toward the end of your life, you had become confused, yet your kindness always remained. During this time you asked me so seriously if I would vote for you for president. In that moment I imagined what a difference in the world your kindness and gratitude could have made. The last thing you said to me as I cared for you for the last time was "got to keep everyone happy". Even while confused, during your last days with us, you were thinking of everyone else. I’m so sorry that you weren’t dealt a better hand.