The Blue Pearl

By Robert C. Koehler

You want to convey sympathy, but come out instead with a shudder. Someone you care about has just been diagnosed with …

Well, in this case, breast cancer.

News like this never fails to overwhelm, even at a safe distance. When I heard about Kay’s condition from my sister, I felt crowded by it, pushed to the very edge of adequacy. I wanted to whimper; I rallied, after a few heartbeats, only because I knew that wouldn’t be of use to anybody. I offered, of course, “whatever I can do to help,” but I wanted to offer the blue pearl.