It's been 10 years today.
But I remember and will never forget.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« when your brother held your hand for the last time.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« watching the kids playing on the floor next to your bed.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« coming over everyday to see how you were doing.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ«.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ«, nearly 10 years ago, we were given the βGone From My Sight - The Dying Experienceβ book by a hospice worker.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« the surge of anger that followed for many days.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« refusing to read it, as I didnβt want to know the signs of what was coming.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« that I couldnβt bear the thought of your ship, which had sailed steady for so long, making its final voyage home.
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« seeing the pain you were in.
βMom, just go,β I whispered to you. βYou are loved and will never be forgotten. Itβs okay.β
I π«ππ¦ππ¦πππ« watching you, gasping for each breath, fighting to stay with us.
Even in those moments, there you were, thinking of everyone else. Selfless to the end, you pushed through, full-steam ahead, as if even your final act was meant to carry us.
And then, the time came.
You sat up suddenly, your eyes finding mine, holding me in a gaze Iβll never forget. Then you lay back down.
πβπ₯π₯ π§ππ―ππ« ππ¨π«π ππ. that quiet, weightless moment when you slipped away, the mast of your ship disappearing beneath still waters.
.... ... . . . . .
βDad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!β. He ran into the room and collapsed beside you, his tears soaking into your lifeless form.
The next day, the hearse arrived. We walked you out of the house one final time. I was caught somewhere between disbelief and relief.
You were no longer suffering.
The pain that had gripped you was gone.
You left us with so much.
You showed us that while the destination of this lifeβs journey is shared by all, it is the path we take and the memories we weave that endure.
The blankets of love and laughter you stitched together for us will warm our souls for an eternity.
Mom, we will be okay.
I'll never forget.
How I felt that moment.
You became Free.
β€οΈ
Jake