I knew it wouldn't be long now. My mother was sleeping all the time from the meds and death that were creeping up on her. Shallow breaths. Deep sighs. Sadness and loss filled the room. Filled my heart. Filled my future. She would die soon.
A few days before, I'd helped her bathe and change her bed clothes. She'd sat on the side of the bed while I stood before her methodically and gently combing and parting her hair into small sections to gently it wrap around each curler. She still wanted to feel pretty.
That's when she wrapped both her arms around my waist and pulled me close. Then she laid her head on my chest.
"Be my love," she whispered. "Be my love."
"I'm your love, Mama. I am your love."
My mother looked deep into my eyes, searching.
"I'm so tired," she said.
The sick old woman rested her head on me--her daughter--her caretaker--her friend--for a few more seconds and then leaned back so I could finish curling her hair.
5 comments:
Remembering
Awareness of loss
Caring
Compassion
Tenderness
Sharing
Affection
Sadness
Stillness
Weary
Farewell
Memories to hold until you meet again
This is beautiful, Suzanne. Rarely has so much been said in so few words.
Love you. Rose
Thank you, Rose.
Love you,
Suzanne
You took my breath away and made me cry! I loved your Mom!
Thanks, Alice. I know you did.
Love you,
Suzanne
This piece is touching...like another person said, it said a lot in so few words...the emotional impact hit me...it made me so sad, but in a good way. Thanks for sharing.
Theresa
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