The Struggle

Numbered days were measured by the ever increasing difficulty of each painful breath.

We watched as the eventuality of her illness moved toward its only possible conclusion.

We said goodbyes and stayed close to her bedside

and fought with the practiced detachment of nurses who thought they

had the authority to tell us how to take care of our dear one.

The days got longer and we braced for visits from well-meaning family and friends.

We cooked meals. We carried on, tiptoeing in and out of the room of mighty struggle.

We cried. We fought. We watched the thousand little miracles

as heaven and earth prepared to meet for that one instant. And then.

As I sat by her bedside, the only loving soul awake to attend her,

I felt the room change.

The heat of the struggle cooled.

The impossible breaths calmed.

Until there were three perfect

peaceful exhalations.

And then it was done.

 

Reviews

[Creepy Swine Guy]

This is superb Emily. I know what this is about and like you, I have lived it to a lesser degree. I was weak and could not be there for the end. I just could not bring myself. You have described this transition, this struggle like only someone who has lived it can.

This goes on my self.

Should be in your 49 (or was it 48) too if you ask me.

[Alicante lullaby]

valcano of emotions.and i'm so sorry for your loss...beautiful.sad.

[Patient Poet (Yos)]

Wow, that's so sad , you describe it perfectly , beautifully , but still ... knowing how sad that made you sitting there, and walking away from the one you love ... made me sad ... hope time healed you

[Collect-Eye]

wow, Emily. that's some powerful stuff, there. Your voice moves like water and wind in this piece.

[Phibby Venable]

just on here looking at all your work..this is so strong & compassionate.
i love it.

[Wildfleour]

This is a tremendously powerful write. Bravo, my friend.

[The Archangel Gabriel]

Great story although it is sad. In liberation from the body, there is freedom and a new beginning as well as a partial end. As they say, "Ashes to ashes..."

-Gabe