Tea (in memoriam)

You were dying and you offered me tea.
You were living and you offered me tea.
You were sitting on your bed, curled in a ball, in pain, and you looked up to offer me tea.
You boiled water and walked slowly back to your bed.
I was witness to your struggle.
You offered me tea.

You lost twenty pounds your body did not have to lose and offered me tea.
You watched cancer eat you from the inside out and you offered me tea.
You could not eat anything and you offered me tea. 
You felt your body betray you and you fought for your dignity.
I was witness to your battle. 
You offered me tea.

You grew so weak you could not lift a ceramic mug.
Your best friend bought you a plastic cup so you could drink tea.
You told me your fears and we cried, together.
You were gracious and beautiful and you offered me tea.
I was witness to your life.
Thank you for the gift of knowing you.
Thank you for the tea.