holding the year’s last rose in her hand
she disappeared
whisked away on the first day of winter
gone forever on a cold December day
my head said it was for the best
said I could not give the care she needed
said I had to let her go
my heart said
NO!
I made tea
cleaned up
pretended I was strong
wondered why I could not hear her near me
why I felt so empty and alone
and I cried
cried hugging all the memories
cried as I walked with her
danced with her
cried sitting with her on the seaside bench
our faces kissed by the morning breeze
cried hearing her sing out to passing children
cried as I touched her sleeping softness
cried every day through the longest winter of my life
cried far into sunnier seasons
this morning, when I opened my eyes
I thought of her once more
and I smiled
tio stib
You might also appreciate: You Will Always Be My Valentine; My Dementia Diary
Travels with Tio 
This is so beautiful – and what lovely images you have shared.
Thank you!
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Thank you, Steve
I’m glad to hear from you and I appreciate you sharing your feelings.
I hope you’re managing and still learning. Keep at it.
Jim
Thank you and I hope you folks are finding comfort in our delightful Summer weather.
This is so deeply moving. I hope it’s not attached too closely to real life because I know what grief is and I wouldn’t want you to experience it!
Grief is the price paid for the ecstasy of love, the blissful memories I will treasure the rest of my days. thank you for reaching out with your kind and gracious heart. I take great comfort in your witty, poignant and insightful tales and wish you well.