Rewards of a Caregiver
A loving smile from my mother
When she could no longer articulate her words.
Feeling her soft cheek against mine
A memory planted for a lifetime.
Kissing and cradling my mother daily
And, at the end of her life.
Feeling the strength of my father’s hands
Still guiding and protecting me.
Witnessing his strength, courage and faith
Until the end of his life.
My Father’s last words spoken to me
“Don’t make a big deal of it.”
My rewards from his message
Strength, undying hope and faith.
My Mother’s last words spoken to me
“I love you.”
My rewards from her message
Compassion for self and for others.
Deborah Ann Tornillo
Copyright© 2009
