Holding hands, Crossing bridges

Written and posted to Facebook during the last week with Mom. 

**Mom's lungs are failing and we have limited time left. I have struggled to articulate my feelings so far. Here is the beginning of the end. **


Holding hands crossing bridges


I have walked this path before.

By-stander

Empathizer

Trailing beside

Holding hands

Giving comfort


Now, this is my bridge to cross.

And I am not ready.

Every touching hand

Gentle hug

Encouraging word

Giving strength for the journey


The land on the other side

Darker

Emptier

Colder

Save the ones already there.


The land of the motherless

Shifting ground

Unanswered questions

Unsent text

Unmade calls

Unshed tears waiting to follow

Tracks of salt


I do not want to cross

But she is already crossing

And I

Must

Follow

As far as I can


Little hands holding mine

Following behind.

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