tale of an irish beauty...

rarely would she be seen without an immaculate set of accessories complimenting her classic wardrobe... her hair always perfectly coiffed... she walked with an air of confidence, yet exuded stubbornness and a sharp tongue if needed... she smelled like a fresh bouquet, while the harsh aroma of cigarettes lingered... beside her always stood the love of her life -- dressed to the nines in a suit at any occasion...

as a pair they'd dance to the oldies, while three children sat at the kitchen table looking on with grins and offering applause... each and every christmas they'd rise with the sun and appear with loads of presents for under the tree...

but when cancer took hold and claimed him years ago, she was noticeably lost... her best friend had perished... over the years that followed, she struggled with new beginnings and the temptation of old demons... eventually, her elder body had no choice but to succumb to ill health -- it changed her...

the last time i saw her i told her i was leaving... and although she could no longer communicate with me through her voice, her eyes told me that she understood... she gazed at me and attempted to hold my hand between her soft, delicate grip, while the silent atmosphere of the nursing home closed in on us...

forewarning doesn't change the impact of loss... even though it was more than obvious that we'd lost a little more of her each year, it still never completely prepares you for the time when you're told it's all over... but admittedly, the reaction is bittersweet... she'd lived a full life of love and loss... she'd seen us grow more than her companion ever had the chance to... ultimately i think she'd decided not to fight anymore to be near us... she knew it was time to be with him again...