Terry was clearly in the final stages of her disease when I met her. Besides the typical involuntary movements of her body, her jaw had locked. This severely impaired her ability to communicate which rendered more than a physical challenge for her devoted family. Though she tried to hide her frustration you could certainly hear it through the strained efforts in her voice. Yet, her integrity was inspiring, her spirit genuine and charming, and the nature of her composure was thoroughly endearing.
Most of her last night teetered in and out of consciousness. She would drift smoothly between reality and her own internal representation. Often, her eyes were open and it appeared that the fine line between the physical universe and her personal dreams melded together, making it difficult for her to separate one from the other. Every once in a while she would stir or battle with a cough and I would look up to check on her. This one particular waking moment will certainly be memorable and is, by all means, notable/
This time when she woke, Terry lifted her head and looked straight down the dark hallway at the foot of her bed. Her face lit up with a brow raising smile. Eyes sparkling and bright, she struggled to lift a steady hand to her mouth. Gently, she kissed her fingertips and with every ounce of strength, inhaled her deepest breath and blew her kiss away.
I turned my head to follow as Jim, who was leaning on the shadows of his door way, received his airborne embrace with a smile of his own. Our eyes met briefly. Then, he took his prize, turned his back and returned to the comfort of his own world. Jim was ill, too.
When I looked back at Terry she appeared quite satisfied with the experience. Her head easily returned to its resting position and she peacefully exhaled and drifted back to her sleep. It was quite some time before her smile faded. Pleasant dreams for an enchanted Lady who captured a final, breathtaking picture of the love of her life. Likely she was busy placing it on the last page in the photo album of her mind.
Terry died this morning. I was truly saddened when I heard the news. My thoughts drifted back to her bedside. I imagined myself holding her hand and waiting for her to recognize my presence with a firm squeeze. One lonely tear swelled and lingered. Then, in an instant, that single tear effortlessly escaped, rolled past the corners of my heart and was gone.
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Submission Name: Love's Last Kiss
