You hold my hand so tight even as you say those words. You may never know how hard it was to hold back the tears, and that’s ok. You don’t need to know. What you need is someone at your side. Someone you love and who loves you. You asked me to stay forever even as you ask for God to take you home. I would hold you forever if I could.

Instead I smile as I tell you I will keep you all to myself. Your smile, the barest kiss of remembrance. Forever will I hold you in my heart. My promise that I will keep.

Tomorrow dawns a new day. I don’t want to see it come if you’re not here. Though the pain cuts my soul in two, the words escape my lips as I kneel to pray…

Please father, she just wants to go home!