Never to be Forgotten ...

Marvin William Pearson

March 18, 1899 - July 3, 1987

 

 

Twenty-eight years have gone by and I still remember clinging to his hand through that long dark night.

 

Eyes open for a moment, he seemed to be studying my face, and the  increased pressure of his fingers said, "I'm glad you're here, Jo ..."

 

Bending closer, I whispered, "I won't leave you, Daddy."

 

Early morning sun filtered slowly through the window, spreading warmth across his hospital bed.

 

This would be the last day of my father's life.

 

I thought I was prepared.  I was, after all, a middle-aged woman, sensible and brave.  I'd be okay.   It was my brother I worried about.  He was a strong man, three years older and ever so much wiser than I, but I knew he would not be able to handle this situation well ... not this final goodbye to a man he loved more than anyone or anything else on earth. 

 

"Don't worry, Daddy," I whispered, "I'll be strong for Ken.  I'll see him through."

 

One slow breath followed the next and the next and the next, until, quite without warning, the next one failed to appear.

 

Middle-aged woman instantly became a helpless child.  Climbing upon his bed, I wrapped my arms tighter than tight around my daddy and knew I could never let him go.

 

I can almost see Daddy looking down on the scene as it unfolded that day,  smiling gently and nodding approval as my brother allowed me those few final moments before removing me from that bed and standing me firmly back on my feet.      

My brother saw me through ....


email:  MelindaGerner@yahoo.com