My friend, Allison.
I know we did not know each other long, but I consider you a true friend. This is really a letter to thank you for all that you did for me, but now I start I can't think what to write. There is so much I want to say, but my mind can't form the words.
When I was younger I used to dream about growing up more than I did about movie stars or boy bands- there was so much I wanted to do, but put off doing, and now it is too late. I can't tell you how much it hurts but I think you already know.
I know you're hurting Allison, and I want you to know that it's okay to feel and be unprotected. I guess I should probably start quoting REM or something, and tell you "everybody hurts", but I can't stand clichés. I am not going to cry over my fate, that has already been done- Doctor Kubler-Ross would be proud, and I don't want you to cry either. I know I said I'd avoid cliché, but this is important. It is a poem by Christina Rosetti, you may know it, and it is important that you read it
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent
land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half
turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by
day.
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember
me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet
if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do
not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige
of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget
and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
It will hurt, and you will cry, but remember that you are alive. Change comes for a reason- embrace it and you will find happiness.
All my love,
Cindy.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cameron put down the letter and unfolded the rest of the paper that had come inside her envelope. She recognised the formal heading instantly; it was a photocopy of an official document- Cindy's will. She read through it, sadly noting that she had put aside enough money for a funeral and had specified that she wished to be cremated and her ashes scattered in water. No one should have to arrange their own funeral. As she continued reading she noted the largest item in the document
'The entirety of the funds from Ms Kramer's estate and all monies possessed by the deceased is to de donated to the Oncology department at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, New Jersey.'
Cameron smiled sadly to herself, leaning back in her chair. Cindy was dying and still thinking about others. She noticed a tiny hand written comment on the photocopy and squinted to read it. It simply said 'Give others a future, and I will be satisfied'
She took a deep breath as she stood, and folded the letter in her pocket as she headed off to find Wilson once again to tell him of the good news. Well, bittersweet news.