The passing of those we love jolts us into the realization that our lives will be missing something precious…a special smile, a certain look, the sound of their voice, their laughter and all we’re left with are a collection of memories. Shirley shares a moment in time when she faced that reality.

 

After receiving a frantic call from my sister, I flew 22 hours from Spain, where I had just arrived the night before for a vacation, to Arizona to reach the hospital where my mother was on a life-support machine. All during the flight, I prayed to be able to reach her in time to say my last farewell. Just prior to landing I felt the urge to write some of the thoughts that were shooting through my mind like bullets. I wrote the last word as we were approaching the arrival gate when I felt a quickening of my heartbeat. A sudden feeling of gloom showered over me as I looked down to discover that I had written these words in the past tense. Just as I began to reread my message to her, the angel earring from my left ear fell upon the writing pad. I looked at my watch and sensed her spirit passing by like a gentle breeze. When we arrived at the hospital, I realized the truth of my experience as my sister quickened her pace down the hallway and fell into my arms. The nurse answered my first question as to the exact moment of her passing. It was just as I expected…it was the moment of writing my last farewell. I realized that since I couldn’t get to her…she came to me.

Special Moments

 

If I had one more day to spend with you

What important things would I say or do?

 

Better yet, if I had another week or two

How fortunate I would be

To frolic here and there

Or go anywhere our hearts desire

Maybe stroll along the beach

Or just sit and stare at the moon

 

And if I had a few more months to share

The silly times we remember from the past

How smug I would be

 

Then, if I should be blessed with a whole year

I would fall upon my knees to offer words of thanks

 

But since I have not the luxury of any of the above

I would settle for just a minute or two

To tell you how much you will be missed

And how much my soul yearns to see

Your familiar form of earthly flesh

 

Now all I can do is ask to be free from the belief

that you have been separated from me.

 

Your loving daughter

Shirley Mae