Wendy Werb
SAYING GOODBYE by Heather Werb
Sitting in the dark at 1:00 a.m. beside you in the hospital.
I realize this is probably the last time that I will ever be able to listen to you sleep,
To listen to you breathe, to be able to gaze upon you longer than I probably ever have.
I take your hand in mine under the covers,
Trying to make a connection, send you a signal
That I am here for you, with you, beside you.
I think about all the times you must have done the same for me
When I was a baby in your arms or just a young child after you sang me a lullaby.
You watched over me as I watch over you now.
You took care of me always with a gentle hug or a loving smile.
While I might not have always remembered those moments,
My heart always has which is what keeps me next to you now.
In this moment I want you to know what an incredible mother you have been to me
And how much of who I am I owe to you.
You have always encouraged me, loved me, and been there for me,
Never telling me what I’ve done wrong or what I should do better.
I could only hope that one day my children can say the same about me.
Please know that, even when you are gone, my heart and mind will always be filled with you.
I hope that wherever you go beyond this physical world
You will be free to once again dance with joy and sing with abandon,
Unshackled by bodily limitations, never to be held back by human frailty or self-consciousness.
I wish you God’s embrace, heavenly rest, and music that makes your heart sing.
I hope that place surrounds you with the beautiful colors of fall that you have always loved,
And memories of all of us that you have left behind that make you smile.
May your heart and mind be at peace that our memories of you will always do the same.
~ Love, Heather 3/26/23
