Nov1

miss you little cowboy

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Image

our perfect day 

set out on an adventure

shared by

kindred spirits

 –

up to the top 

of the  

empire state building

 – 

both had always wanted to 

never had –

found our chance

–

saw it and looked

in amazement

at the world around us

– 

next stop

a favorite park

playing in the autumn sun

– 

 sat by the water

talked about life

 all the important things

– 

scooby doo, spiderman, 

stuffed monkeys, 

people we love,

holidays, colors,

magic, fairies

– 

calm and peaceful

took coins

kissed them and made wishes

– 

tossed them in

watched them sink

as ripples moved

away from them

 –

he asked me

what is your wish?

i shared

– 

breaking the code of secrecy 

that goes with all wishes

just this once

for this very special reason

– 

my wish –

that you never feel sick again

(it’s been 2 long years)

and that we will share so many, many

perfect days

together

just like this one

–

i asked him

what is your wish?

he shared

breaking the rules

just this once

– 

his wish

so powerful

i sat

just listening

– 

tumbling

from the lips of

this 5 year old boy

who has endured 

so much more 

than most adults

in their entire lifetime

ever will

– 

old soul trapped in a child’s body

his wish

was 

the most amazing response

–

my wish 

he said

in that most innocent of voices

is that all of YOUR wishes come true

–

 we sat

in silence

looking at each other

both understanding

this would be our last perfect day together

–

we knew

these were our gifts

to each other

that we would always keep

–

gifts given

in their purest form

each only

for the other

–

we shared a moment

now held within us forever

on this,

our perfect day.

–

dedicated to my nephew h, who passed away soon after, (november 1, 2006), on a perfect autumn day. 

–

 

 

 

62 responses »

  2. …I have tears…for now as you have posted this I was told that a friend of mine – my ‘Uncle Les’ who wasn’t my Uncle just passed an hour ago… that is a beautiful tribute to a very special little boy…his words indeed from an old soul… he is watching…12 now? He sees, he listens..he thanks you as do I. xxx

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  3. This is a very beautiful tribute, it moved me to tears. Imagine the sort of world we would be living in if everyone wished that everyone else’s wishes would come true. Thank-you for giving us an essence of your perfect day together. Cat

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  8. You’ve brought a very real sorrow to my heart, I’m sorry for your loss, such a loss what a fine wee cowboy he was.
    My those perfect day live in your heart as perfect pictures for all your days.
    Truly
    Benjamin

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  10. What a beautiful memory. Those moments are blessings that stay forever in our hearts. It is so difficult losing someone we love, especially someone that is taken long before his time. Hugs to you and thanks for sharing that wonderful memory Xxoo

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  12. This is such a sad but sweet story about a wise “old” soul in a precious 5 year old boy’s heart. I am sure that he is one of the brightest angels in the heavens. I cannot imagine losing a family member so young, I had three of my own students (special needs with disabilities) die. I also had one accidentally drown. In my 9 years, seemed so hard, every other year… Thinking a special thought for you and his family, too.

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  13. beautiful and sad, very sorry for your immense loss, sounds like a wonderful little person, thanks for sharing and reminding us that life is precious and fleeting.

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  16. My condolences. There is nothing as terrible as a young life that gets snatched before it’s time. I still remember the death of a friend, back in the day. You’ve chosen a nice way to cherish his memory. Good post.

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  22. This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful young fella. Reading that he’s gone through more than most adults just breaks my heart. Children should never have to. He’s in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing. connie

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  29. Oh, Beth. This perfect poem for your perfect day with darling nephew h has moved me to tears.

    I sense his purity, wonder and knowledge beyond his five years. And his compassion for Aunt Beth and understanding of her need this perfect day.

    Thank you for sharing with the world the lining underneath the gray clouds of sorrow.

    My condolences these years after his passing and months after your writing, having missed this prize of a post the first time around.

    I know from your words that the good he delivered to this world will forever be cherished.

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    • thank you so much, mark. we were very close and will always be, and you are right, he knew exactly what i needed. children who are sick understand the world in ways that go way beyond their chronological years.

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  30. Beautiful, Beth … I’m glad Mark shared the link. You are so right that the little ones fighting disease are so wise, so empathetic, when it’s they who are enduring it. Jim

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    • thank you mark, for sharing this. and thank you jim, for all you do. there is no greater cause. my brother began a non-profit with another father of a child who passed away due to cancer. they live in nyc and raise money to fund peds cancer research. here is his link, (scott kennedy/solving kids cancer). if you think he may be able to help you in some way or have a child or family they may be able to help in some way, please feel free to contact him. tell him, his sister beth sent you. )
      https://www.facebook.com/SolvingKidsCancer/info

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