letting go

terminally ill patients and their loved ones may like to read this.

while being aware that death will come,

knowing all living things must perish.

with a diagnosis all reason is gone,

why do we lose the ones we cherish?

 

the thoughts turn to ourselves naturally,

how do we continue to live on?

what will we do without them here?

it's so unfair that they'll be gone.

 

then there's the remedies to fix them.

and making plans for a future together.

there's always a chance the doctor was wrong,

and their sheer will just to get better.

 

nothing can stop what is taking place,

waste their time and live with the regret.

they go to where we can't yet follow,

their path has already been set.

 

think of what they are going through,

being told when they are giong to die.

fill their hearts with too much love,

never be afraid to sit and cry.

 

reassure them that you will be alright,

it's okay when they have to leave.

they don't need to worry about us,

they have more than enough to grieve.

 

remember together the favourite moments,

enjoy any time they have left with you.

that final goodbye breaks your hearts,

but it's the kindest thing we can do.

 

j.f.monkman, 11-2-2008