Goodbye, Mama

A loving son held Mama's hand and said, "We've such sweet memories. If you feel strong enough today, I'd love to hear your favorites, please." Then like an eager child he leaned a little closer. Mama said, "My precious times with all you kids and your sweet daddy fill my head: the picnics Sunday afternoons, the games of tag and hide-and-seek, sweet watermelons in July, and wading in our backyard creek. Your daddy held us spellbound with his yarns; he spun them on the spot. We watched old Westerns; I recall how you loved Tonto as a tot. (Her voice grew weaker.) What we had was something money cannot buy. Those simple pleasures are the best-- I'm ready, Son, so please don't cry."