By Bud Pharo
At first, I thought it was the end-of-life morphine drip that made my mother smile for the first time in years. “Do you see him?” she asked.
“Who?”
“My brother, Johnny—he’s right there!” she said, looking toward the foot of the bed.
“Mom, Johnny died over fifty years ago,” I said gently.
“I know, but he’s here now,” she said, then closed her eyes forever—her long-suffering race now run.
I told the hospice nurse about my mother’s final words. “Isn’t that kind of eerie?” I asked.
“Not at all,” the nurse replied. “Someday, someone will come for you too.”
Excellent.
As a woman who lost a child, I can only hope my son will be there, waiting for me, when my turn comes. He says he would. Cheers. Your story made me feel. I hope it’s a true story.
It’s a true story. I was my mother’s healthcare agent and was with her to the very end. I have no doubt your son will be there for you too.
Excellent story. I hope someone will be waiting for me also.
Thank you for reading my story.
Lovely use of language in that last line, quiet and powerful.
Delicious, short, tender-loving story about a son’s witness to a loving mother’s passing. Into a better life indeed….accompanied by her loving brother Johnny. What else need be said. So many emotions in so few words. You’re a great writer Bud. Keep on sending them this way.
Thank you for your kind words.
Hello Bud,
Excellent story touching the reader’s heart, mind, and spirit.
Thank you.
Very touching. My dad said something similar right before he passed away.
Thanks for reading.
Beautiful. True. (I’m a retired Pallative Care doctor)
Thank you. And thank you for your service as Palliative Care doctor.
Bud, I love this every time I read it.
Thank you for your kind words and guidance.
Powerful and touching
This was so touching. Well done!