I was told she hadn't
dressed or ate all day
My experiences with her
in the past led me her way
When I arrived, I held her hands and
She opened up to me once again
She misses her husband so very bad
"Seventy one years together" she said
"I don't know how to live without him."
It's been five years since he left
Tears came welling up in her eyes
She explained the day he died
How she couldn't cry
This day, her tears were a surprise
"Sometimes I wonder when people don't cry,
they are afraid it will make the moment real",
I said with a sigh
She felt guilty for taking up my time so
I shared with her my sadness since my brothers death-
We exchanged our memories and the feelings they left
When we finished, she smiled with relief
Not only did she cry, she felt better for helping me
I fixed her hair, then she added lipstick
We smiled together and headed for supper
As she and I walked down the hall,
I felt I had reached my goal
Sometimes we have to do whatever it takes-
As all caregivers know!
(All in a days work)
