Saying Goodbye

The golden rays of morning rushed through the bedroom curtains illuminating the room and kissing her cheek. The warmth of that kiss sent waves of gratitude to her heart. Slowly stirring, she in drew a deep breath of the sweet springtime air, and a smile crept across her face. Her eyes opened to greet such a wonderful day. She rolled onto her back and looked toward the door, still hazy from sleep, and listened for the sounds of breakfast.

Suddenly the warmth of life left her body as though she’d been caught in the great cold vacuum of space. A heavy frozen emptiness occupied her chest. She gasped for air and tears exploded from her eyes. No breakfast would come today.

She pulled her legs up to her chest and grabbed her toes, squeezing them and twisting them in anguish. Today she would say goodbye. She would say goodbye to laughter, she would say goodbye to hope. Never again would she feel joy or love. Never again would the sounds of breakfast wake her from her sleep.

The thought of having to face all of those people today began to creep into her consciousness. How could she bear to look at any of them, let alone speak to them and accept their condolences? A vision of that perfect angelic face, forever asleep inside that cold shiny box flooded her vision. “Wake up!“ she had pleaded. “Please don’t leave me. Don’t you know my life means nothing without you?“

She had prayed that this was just a wicked nightmare that she would wake from. But, in her heart, she knew she would have to accept this truth. Yes, today she would say goodbye. Oh, why did this dreadful day have to begin?