Written as memorial in honor of deceased family relative.

Sweet gentle woman lies in hospital bed
"Stage 5" said the doctor, shaking his head

“Swallow she can't, nor speak anymore”
"Two weeks at most" as he exits the door

Her beauty from youth clearly still there,
But white now not gold in the strands of her hair

Her sparkling eyes peer at those in the room
Tears fill the eyes peering back through the gloom

Tubes, wires and mask bind body to plastic and steel
Channeling food, drugs and air for life to stay
real
Without such support, life soon would depart
But prayers oppose a stop of her heart

Sons and daughters gather round mother’s bed
Spouses and grandkids enter while lightly they tread

Sisters arrive from afar to greet with a kiss
Husband-sent rose portrays their lifetime of bliss

Doctors nearby urge a decision be made
Family in anguish debates if life support to fade

But ultimate decision her husband decides:
Her Living Will over all other shall ere preside

Permission given, to hospice she’s moved
Tubes, wires and mask are at last removed
Without support, life should ebb in just days
But she’s a “remarkable woman” in so many ways

Around her new room, love now flows in torrents
Family members take turns, sharing in reverence

Holding her frail hand, stroking her combed hair
Speaking sweet memories from her bedside chair

Day and nite, the sincere vigil continuing
Even her best friend shares in abundantly giving,

One week then two weeks, no life support in place
It's love that has nourished, along with God’s grace

She loved the attention, mouthed “I love you” to kin
Offered puckered lips to loved ones, eyes open to the end.

All family gathered round, a few shedding tears
Breathed her last breath while the chaplain said prayers

It’s not well known now, but Dolly was saved
Decades ago, a key decision she made

Lived a long life, to goodness was faithful
Now heaven’s her home, with God life eternal