"With an eye for the particular and an ear for the music of everyday life, C. S. Fuqua shares with readers his brave and lyrical view of human experience." Dr. Wendy Galgan, Editor of Assisi Literary Magazine "By not looking away, by taking stock and inventory of all that we've been through, we come to discover what we've become: strong, hardened, and wise for all of our hardships." Devin McGuire, Editor of the Unrorean literary magazine and author of After the Hunt (Encircle Publications 2013) In 2009, cancer took two friends. Joe had a good job that provided health insurance, but the insurance company refused to fund "experimental" procedures that might have saved his life. Rob was a waiter, working for low wages and tips, unable to afford insurance and not covered by an employee insurance program. Both men experienced inexcusable desperation and suffering-one because he had no insurance coverage, the other because he did. Many of the poems in this collection explore Joe's experiences over the last year of his life and his family's experiences the year following his death. Others are personal contemplations inspired by both men, examining challenges most of us face when confronted by end-of-life issues. All are meant to honor these two friends, both deeply cherished and missed.