This time, unlike the last, she didn't tell,
instead deciding it was her right to choose,
not her partners, ex husband, daughter or sons right, it was hers.
Without a shadow of a doubt this would be perceived as selfish,
but when all was said and done it wasn't them that had to endure.
By the time she did tell them it was too late,
three months of life left, palliative care only required.
There were tears, anger, frustration,
but eventually an understanding and acceptance.
She had lived a long and happy life,
had raised a family, become both a grand and great grand mother,
so what point an extra 6 months of life,
especially if lived chemically aided and ill.
In her mind no point whatsoever.
The day before her death she shared a bottle of wine
with her daughter and female partner of 25 years.
She was bright, alert, but tired quickly.
Her final goodbyes were said that afternoon, but without words,
as all three knowing that her time would be soon stilled.
The following day, whilst sleeping, she slipped peacefully away.