No Greater Love

The words were not encouraging Their impact made her reel She stood in total disbelief Not sure of what to feel "This really can't be happening I feel like I could scream I know that any minute now I'll wake up from this dream" She left the doctor's office Took the stairs up to his floor Then briskly walked toward his room And opened up the door He lay there in the bed His face was gaunt and ghostly white She wasn't even sure If he would make it through the night She ran her fingers through his hair And leaned to kiss his cheek His breathing was so labored He could barely even speak She held his little hand in hers And said, "I love you, Billy" He tried to smile and whispered back "And I love you , too, Mommy" She told him he should go to sleep And that she'd be right back Then headed toward the chapel As she got her thoughts on track "God, how could you do this" She questioned with her soul "Why would you take him from me He's only six years old" "I'll never get to watch him grow Or see his first school play There won't be time for him to date I'll miss his wedding day" "But most of all, I'll miss his laugh Those smiling eyes of blue The way he used to show me All the things that he could do" "His birthday is two weeks away He won't last another year I promised him a party But I don't think he'll be here" She suddenly felt tired Put her head down on the seat And as she drifted off to sleep She felt the warmest heat Then she heard a female voice That spoke so soft and mild "There is no greater love Than that of mother for her child" "You hate to lose your son He's been your child and your friend But death is not a punishment Nor is it just an end" "I know this is the hardest thing You ever will go through I understand the pain you feel For I'm a mother, too" She left the chapel pew With feelings swimming in her head She walked into his room And saw him sitting up in bed "Mom, I saw a lady She was beautiful and kind And when she took me by my hand I didn't even mind" "She told me not to worry I would still be turning seven I'll celebrate my birthday With the angels up in heaven" He suddenly grew quiet And she tried hard not to cry Then kissed him on his forehead And said her last goodbye She buried her son Billy One year ago today But he is always with her Part of each and every day