I saw a woman today during her last moments before death
and her devoted nephew by her side wallowing his breath.
Sad yet confused, knowing he soon had to say goodbye,
but deep down there was a peace in his eyes because
he knew she'd be alright.

Her nephew was mentioning
that she's always been the Best-
always sweetly giving him kindness all his life-
he even mentioned he wished his mother made him smile like she has..
A special relationship-
he mentioned she was there for him so many times
even just recently-
when he had heart surgery and was hospitalized-
But now it's her that's hardly alive.

Her head was bent forward as if she was dead.
I wanted so much to help her to she can rest
her head on a pillow,
and when I repositioned her slowly
I smiled at her warmly
and she went from a blank stare to suddenly a smile
as she looked at me closely, we bonded for a while.

She slowly started to unwind
and she finally allowed us to feed her some wine--
naah just kidding- it was just apple sauce,
but she liked it as she opened her mouth she wanted more.

She liked me moving her little arms,
the smile of kindness works like a charm.

I tried encouraging the yummy-ness of vegetables
to her nephew in the room,
for he said he only eats junk food
as he admitted he suffers from kidney failure and heart failure too.
He promised he'd go to Sublime, my favorite vegan restaurant of all.
I hope he does, for it's a shame when disease that's preventable takes over
and causes one's health to take a harsh fall...


Slowly she allowed us to bring her head fully back,
and as I was leaving the room I noticed
she was relaxed
and with her eyes closed she seemed as if she was taking a nap..

I go to sleep now thinking of her,
it's funny how we bonded, what an honor to have shared.
It's those profound moments when we can look warmly into eachother's eyes.
Dear little 98 year old, sleep well and may you feel free to smile or cry.
Wherever you are may you always know deep down you're alright.
And I am so glad your glow today met mine.

:)