Care Givers

"When I cried out with her last breath
you were there to comfort me. 

     You joined me
     in sadness." 

When she yelled out in pain,
you comforted her.

     It became your pain;
     you were desperate to help.

I was humbled at your disappointed when you could not.

At 2:00 am when she wanted ice,
you brought it to her with a spoon.

     Often you had to help
     feed her the ice chips.
 
My heart is warmed by the cool relief you brought her.

When she needed a sympathetic ear,
you listened and made no judgments.
 
     You comforted her,
     allowed her anxiety to go.

When I cried out with her last breath
you were there to comfort me. 

     You joined me
     in sadness. 

You also shared the relief that her pain was gone.

(dedicated to the staff of four center
at Gundersen Lutheran - May 21, 2010)
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The Collected Chaff, v. 1.0