The Dreaded Disease

It started so subtly

With a twitch here and there,

A poor judgment call

And a far-away stare.

 

Your laid-back demeanor

Kept coming and going.

I watched and I listened;

The distress was growing.

 

You've seldom been angry;

You're always soft-spoken.

Your joking and humor...

Your trademark, your token.

 

When dangerous decisions

Left me feeling afraid,

I had to speak up;

My hope started to fade.

 

I'd hoped and I'd prayed

That you would escape it -

This dreaded disease;

You weren't going to make it.

 

I watched and worried,

But I could not control,

Nor stop this decline,

And it tore at my soul.

 

Your humor remained;

I valued each moment

Of laughter and tears,

All the great times we spent.

 

I'd wake you with hugs,

Cover you with kisses,

Tell you, "I love you,"

But swallowed my wishes

 

That you would be well,

That all things would be right,

That healing would come,

Breaking into our night.

 

Miracles did come,

Full forgiveness and joy.

My love was renewed,

God's deep purpose employed.

 

I'm learning to trust,

Knowing He does things well.

Your life's in His hands...

The story I will tell.