The first decade, you loved me
The last decade, we loved one another
The first decade, you greeted me with a kiss
The last decade, I kissed you goodbye
The first decade, you cradled me
The last decade, I caressed you
The first decade, you listened eagerly to my breathing
The last decade, I listened attentively to yours
The first decade, you comforted me as I cried
The last decade, I wiped away your tears
The first decade, you sang to me and I smiled in amazement
The last decade, I sang to you and you asked me to never stop
The first decade, you took me to my childhood wellness appointments
The last decade, I took you to get your treatments
The first decade, you gave me my vitamins
The last decade, I monitored your medication intake
The first decade, you gave me life
The last decade, I watched yours slipping away
The first decade, you sat with me in silence and wonder
The last decade, I sat with you and you asked me to never leave
The first decade, you soothed my scrapes and bruises
The last decade, I assisted you as your broken bones attempted to mend
The first decade, you changed my soiled diapers
The last decade, I changed your soiled garments
The first decade, you taught me so many new things
The last decade, I recalled many memories for you
The first decade, you chased me in my walker
The last decade, I pushed you in your wheel chair
The first decade, you fed me in my highchair
The last decade, I fed you in your hospital bed
The first decade, you watched excitedly the rise and fall of my chest
The last decade, I watched hopefully for the rise and fall of yours
The first decade, you felt my heart beating with excitement
The last decade, I watched your heart rate and oxygen level decline
The first decade, you watched me gain my independence
The last decade, I watched you lose yours
The first decade, you taught me to read
The last decade, I read to you and you asked me to never stop
The first decade, you smiled as I rushed time forward
The last decade, I cried as we tried to make time stand still
The first decade, you played with me
The last decade, I prayed with you
The first decade, you were with me as I took my first breath
The last decade, I was with you as you took your last
The first decade, you greeted me as I entered this world
The last decade, I let you go to explore the next one
The next decade will never end and we will be together once again
~Daughter
This story was inspired by my mother who suffered many years with a terminal illness. When written, mother was still fighting the fight. She has since passed, and every word written reigned true in the end. My heart goes out to all those who identify with this story. In final thoughts, I can only say that her passing was beautiful because of the strength of our relationship and the many memories and time we spent together this last decade; for during this time a tattered relationship was restored and made beautiful. The lesson learned: Make time to give time to heal and build relationships and memories for they are truly the only things that matter the last and unpredictable time you say farewell.
~Brigitte
About the Author:
Brigitte is an Author, a Certified Life and Corporate Coach, is trained in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and is a member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation). She has a degree in Psychology through Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, along with minor studies in Developmental, Industrial and Organizational Psychology through the University of Missouri in St. Louis, with a degree in Office Systems and Technologies from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri. She is a Focus Seminar of Kansas City graduate and presently a Training Captain for the St. Louis division and owns a small business in Jefferson County, Missouri. For additional information, or to schedule a personal coaching session or corporate development training with Brigitte, please call (636) 208-7952 or email readytoliveinc@gmail.com.
Brigitte Ranae, Certified Life Coach 