When Hubby and I first got married, we slowly made friends with other couples and started to have our first "grown-up" friendships - ones not automatically acquired in high school or joint ventures at college beer pong sessions.

Once such couple, M & F, had been married for longer than 50 years. Hubby originally met them through a construction job and I had known them through some part-time work I had done after high school. We'd periodically stop by and visit and they were one of the stops we made every Halloween to show off the kidlet costumes. It was a nice and steady friendship, one that's lasted over the past 10 years.

We recently learned that M's heart problems had returned and that he'd been having several related medical issues. Hubby received a frantic call from F one night, because she knew M would not be able to get into their house without a smooth ramp and handrail. Hubby quickly remedied this situation and M was able to navigate his front porch.

I just learned that M took a turn for the worse and is now in a coma. He probably won't be making it back home after this latest hospital trip. My heart grieves for F who is losing her husband, lover, and best friend. The thought of losing someone who had been in my life since my late teens and adulthood, through children and grandchildren, for better or for worse - it's just unfathomable to me. How do you say goodbye? How do you keep going with that terrible vacancy living with you in your family home?

*Sigh*

I know I'm being selfish in this because I can't help but think of myself and what I'd do - and will do - in this situation. M & F have had a wonderful life and a marriage that many of us can admire and look upon for inspiration. I guess I never thought about it ending like this which is foolish because everyone dies. I know that F has tremendous family support and faith, and she's gonna get through this. I just hate that she has to.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer with this posting but I'm just sad. The world is truly losing a good man and we're losing a good friend. I wish him a safe journey.