A year ago today I held my pain inside
And kept my upper lip, they say, as firm as a raw hide.
I watched you struggle and cry and tell me you will die.
The doctors say your cancer is eating you alive.

I would not even dare to believe that it was true. You looked so fine to me there’s no way, no how, you are not through.

I was angry and got up in their face.
As the doctors insisted an uphill race.

Each day we journeyed through, the most miserable trips of all
One not the worse than other, just compounding until your fall?

I lay beside you so frail and weak and beaten from the fight. Your face was pale and hands so thin they say it was the medicine. All couldn’t stop the shakes and chills and will could not warm bring. Those days and weeks and months are with me still and creeping in my dreams but...

Today, my phone rang and it was you on the other end.
You told me of a lunch and plan with an old friend.
You laughed and you giggled about my childrens’ words and grins and you made a plan to call me later just like it had always been.

You fought a battle I could only marvel. I witnessed it myself. You’re brave and strong and beautiful more so than I ever knew. I love each moment of your life, Mom, let's promise to never be blue.

A year ago today, I didn’t feel the pain. Today you are my healthy Mom and I’m crying thankfully each day.