Dear Nancy,
I'm writing to you from far away in Asia where I work, but no distance is too far for the force of loving kindness to reach and work. I just placed an offering on my shrine before the Buddha and held you and your friend in my heart asking for healing and comfort. I will continue to do so.
Be aware, that you have given me a gift I needed. You see, we Buddhists see things sometimes differently from some in the West: In asking for help, you gave me a chance to be loving and generous! For this I must thank you and send you love for helping me!
Love is always a two way path!
Think of the precious and wonderful times you've had together and still have with your friend. No one knows when our time is over here. You and your friend may have years to care and enjoy still. Take all you know of love and use it now for him and know that he is giving you the great gift, a chance to use your loving heart and mind. We are all made better for that.
If the worse comes, the best thing for him is your being with him to remind that the body goes one day, but we are not our bodies. It is painful, yes, to leave the body, but we are much more than flesh and bone. All the love and goodness we make in our minds remains and goes on... to where, I cannot say for sure, but I send much love and strength for both of you.
Peace,
Rayn