Honesty

Dear friends,

She and I had just met in person. We sat across from each other at a Gresham coffee shop. For a little more than an hour, we shared our stories, asked each other questions, and lamented about everything Lyme-related. She is as far into her treatment as I have left in mine. I found myself getting real animated and excited over her progress. But if I didn't already know it, I would not have guessed she had been sick for more than a decade.

"I'm so sorry," she said eventually. "I'm getting really tired. I need to go."

"I understand," I replied. "Thank you for being honest with me. Though I have Lyme and have been in your position, even I forget."

We said our quick goodbyes, and then she was gone. Home to bed, home to rest, home to heal.

A.