It was the look in his eyes
I held his hand as he tightly gripped mine
These were his last moments
The prison cell in his mind was now releasing
Opportunities past and adventures lost
So many excuses and distractions
Expectations and conveniences
All to avoid facing himself
Looking into his eyes I knew
The price he paid to play it safe
“Remember me”
It was the look in his eyes
I held his hand as he smiled in comfort
These were his last moments
Memories echoing, Soul dissipating
In a heart so full and overflowing
A joyful tear rolled down his cheek
Opportunities and challenges
Devotion and contribution
All to cherish the life he’d been given
Looking into his eyes I knew
The price he paid to take the leap
“Remember me”
How do you see yourself in your last moments of a life well-lived?
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I faced this question when my husband chose to end his life. To feel so desperate that life has no meaning, no desire to continue living. His one act overrode the life he had lived, the life we had built together, the impact on my children and grandchildren. When my life is over and God takes me home, I want to be remembered as someone who loved her God with all my heart, that was there for those I love unconditionally. To see the beauty in all things and lived life to the fullest. To live with no regrets of things unfinished, to take advantage of all God brings across my path.
This was so powerful - your poem and the exercise. I haven't spent a lot of time picturing those moments at the end of my life and it was emotional. As I often do now, I wrote my own poem. It's called "The Final Magic Painting" and the feeling is complete fulfillment. I'm not sure how I will be remembered, but I know how I hope to feel when my earthly time clock ticks off those last hours and moments. Graham, thanks for the reminder to live each day in a way that leaves behind no regrets but peace and joy in a life well lived.