We cry....

I leaned in closer to catch what she was saying...her voice just a whisper in the chaotic day...
"I love you sweetheart" she said as she patted my hand. I responded in kind and gently squeezed her frail hand. She wiped silent tears from her face that she said were from joy not sorrow. "We cry when we're happy and we cry when we're sad" she told me. "Tears are the release we need sometimes to free our souls and make room for newer experiences. These are tears of joy because I know I am loved." What lessons this beloved little old soul has taught me!

"Will you think of me? When I'm gone?" she whispers. "Of course I will." I exclaim and it is true. Her impact on my life has been so great even though we've only known each other these few short years. I try to make her comfortable as she turns away from the position she was in. Her eyesight is failing but her hearing is strong as she catches me sniffling a bit. "Are you catching a cold sweetie?" she asks in that small, quiet voice. "Allergies" I mumbled not wanting her to see me in a moment of weakness. Not wanting to cry and share my tears at the thought of losing yet another precious person in my life to the ultimate reality of death...