ROSIE:

I don't really know. I was playing totem tennis with the kids and I just stepped back the wrong way and crashed.

ROSIE:

(Bitterly) Yeah!  Well it couldn't have happened at a worse time. I have so many commitments at the moment, and getting around just seems to take forever. As if things weren't already tough enough.

ROSIE:

No way!  All the kids do is complain that I'm not doing enough for them. My husband is no help either. Yeah! I know he works a 'gazillion' hours a week, but I can't be expected to hobble around after him morning and night!

JANET:

Oh dear! You are in a bad way. Can I help? Maybe I can do some ironing or baking for you.

ROSIE:

Yes. I'd appreciate that. This stupid thing has been so achy and itchy I haven't really been able to cook much lately. Though, I'll warn you now, the kids are pretty fussy. They don't like anything too fancy and they won't eat anything with cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli, beans, cabbage, brussell sprouts, beet root, spinach and eggs! Mind you! They'd have McDonald's or pizza every night if I let them. And as for ironing . . . well! I have a pile that's threatening the world's highest peak record!

JANET:

(Laughs lightly) Oh Rosie! You can't keep going like that! I'll bring you a couple of meals that might suit you and your family, and pick up some of that ironing for you. But, you must be positive about all this. It'll pass. I'll pray that your leg gets better sooner than later! Hey?

ROSIE:

Ha! Fat lot of good that will do! The specialist said it's broken in three places and if it doesn't set right he'll have to re-break it and pin it!  It'll just be my luck and I'll be in surgery on my birthday. (Gloomily) Hmmpf! A lot of fun that will be!

JANET:

Surely not! The hospital staff are very kind. I'm sure they'll make your day special for you. Besides, there's no guarantee that you'll end up having surgery. Is there?

JANET:

Well, I'll still pray for you. I know God is looking after you. He'll bless you despite all this. (Pause) Maybe you could try counting up all the things you can be grateful to him about! I know that when I get down, I think of all the blessings God has given me and I usually feel much better. I'm trying to learn to be content no matter what happens. I have heaps to be thankful for and I'm sure you do too.

ROSIE:

(Sarcastically) Yeah! Sure! I'm really grateful!

SUE:

(Enters, smiles brightly) Hi, Janet! (Half-heartedly acknowledges Rosie) Rosie. (To Janet again, sincerely) How are you?  Are you coping OK?

SUE:

(Trying to find words) It's such a shock . . . you know . . . about your news.

JANET:

Yes, it was. But even now I still have so much to thank God for. I've never felt closer to him than I do at the moment, and he gives me joy and peace.

SUE:

(In awe) Wow! You are such an inspiration, Janet, how do you do it?

JANET:

Only by the grace of God! (Slight pause) Well! I have to go now. Bye, Rosie. I'll pray for you. (Hugs Sue) Thank you, Sue. Thanks for caring. Please keep in touch. Bye! (Exits)

SUE:

She's amazing! I don't know how she manages to be so positive. She's so gracious. She doesn't seem worried or bitter about it at all! Now, that's what I call faith. What an inspiration!

ROSIE:

(Annoyed) Why do you keep saying that? What's so inspiring about her?

SUE:

Janet is dying. She has terminal cancer. They think she might only have a year or so to live. (Sue pauses. Rosie is mortified and covers her mouth with her hand) It makes you think, doesn't it? We really do have so much to be grateful for.

SUE:

(Gently) Come on, I'll help you home.

ROSIE:

(Quietly) Thank you. (Both exit)