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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Friendship Shines Through Even In The Darkest Hours

Carolyn Maloney Special To Opinion

My husband Tom Maloney has cancer. He was diagnosed in January and we know that he is in the last stages of dying. My husband has been an attorney in Spokane for 20 years, but we have not been out front in community involvement. We were busy with our three children; our youngest is developmentally delayed. We had many acquaintances but did not have the time to create close friendships.

So we’ve been overwhelmed by the help and support we’ve received from the community since Tom’s diagnosis. Friends have stayed with Tom so I can do errands; they’ve run errands for us, transported children to activities, dropped off at least a hundred meals and they’ve helped with repairs around the house. Three friends even built a wheelchair ramp off the back porch for Tom.

A special outpouring of love and affection was demonstrated on Sept. 13. There was a benefit performance at The Civic Theatre for Tom. The play “Tom Sawyer” featured two of our children, Zeke and Anna. The play sold out and some people chose to stand in the lobby during the performance so others could have their seats. A silent auction was also held in the lobby and more than 70 items were donated - some from people who had never met us. Homemade cookies and punch were served.

The event really became a ritual honoring Tom’s life, his goodness, his vision of family and justice. And the event also celebrated Tom’s love for fun and laughter.

To all who have been there for us these past months, I want to say thank you. We are humbled by your care and graciousness. You have held us close to your hearts by words full of energy and life and giving. You made your words of concern come alive through the work of your hands. You have invited us to trust - and believe - in our Spokane community, friends, acquaintances and many anonymous “others.”

You have provided memories for us to treasure as the years of transition follow. You are the meaning of grace: “Love freely given, not earned.” You are the longing and promise of God fulfilled: “I am with you always.”

With you and because of you, I can believe in a future for ourselves as a family. I am not so alone in that challenging discovery and journey ahead. Death will let go into life once again!

MEMO: “Your turn” is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a “Your turn” column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write “Your turn,” The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210-1615.

“Your turn” is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a “Your turn” column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write “Your turn,” The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210-1615.