What Lasts

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November 28, 2018

I stare at my baby’s perfect bald head,
Watching her chest rise and fall,
Her precious lips poised for her next feeding.
I wonder if this is my last sleepless night spent drinking in her infantile perfection.

My little girl starts Kindergarten today,
Pretty plaid dress and sparkly shoes,
A backpack with her favorite princess on it.
I wonder if this is my last time knowing that she’ll miss me as much as I’ll miss her.

I just left my beautiful protege at college,
A new dorm room with movie posters
And everything important to her proudly displayed.
I wonder if this is the last time she’ll call our house her home.

The amazing woman I birthed is 23.
Cancer now consumes her body
And my time, driving to chemo, holding her hand, praying until my knees give out.
I wonder if this is the last treatment — the one that will end her pain.

I stare at my baby’s perfect bald head,
Reminded of when she was a newborn.
But this time I’m not feeling the joy, only fear.
I wonder if this will be the last time I hold this exceptional soul in my arms.

I stare at the lovely woman beneath my tree,
Her short, curly hair a welcome change,
Making her blue eyes sparkle even more than the Christmas lights.
And I am certain this will not be the last time I thank my God for a miracle.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 2/3/2019 7:47:00 PM
Cindi, I can't imagine the emotions that you and our family have endured. Thank you for sharing this poem with us. Others will gain hope from this. Congratulations on your win on Mile 15 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon Contest! Thank you so much for supporting my contests. By continuing to place in the contests you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark
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Date: 1/5/2019 8:01:00 PM
Wow Cindi, what a jawdropping poem. Lovely and so touching. A FAVE for me.
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Date: 12/24/2018 7:39:00 AM
This is amazing writing Cindi, so sorry if this is real life for you. Loved the line praying till my knees give out, been there done that, I so relate to this sad state. Congrats on a fine win...small consolation!
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Cindi Rockwell
Date: 12/24/2018 10:50:00 AM
Thank you, John. It is a true story, and we continue to wear out our knees in prayer to keep the cancer from growing.
Date: 12/23/2018 12:54:00 PM
Oh my gosh, this almost made me cry - it's so melancholy but the happy ending is perfect! Congrats on the win!
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Date: 12/23/2018 11:23:00 AM
oh the tears in my eyes are falling..beautifully sad, wonderfully written. Thank you and congratulations on your placement. :)-luloo
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Date: 12/22/2018 8:27:00 PM
Amen, and what's truly important in this life, the extraordinary miracles that we are blessed with daily, like the "simple" action of drawing breath, but love the greatest of all. Wonderful write, Cindi, that is woven like fine tapestry. Blessings! :-) <3
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Date: 12/8/2018 11:58:00 PM
Your tender poem is truly moving and so deeply and beautifully expressed, Cindi. Poignant poetry that touches my soul. Congratulations on your wonderful win.. ~Susan
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Date: 12/1/2018 11:20:00 PM
Enjoyed reading this deep moving poem, Cindi, congratulations on your win.
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Date: 12/1/2018 11:26:00 AM
- Many beautiful and deeply moving poems for this contest, Cindi ... congratulations on your win :) - hugs & happy weekend // Anne-Lise :)
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Cindi Rockwell
Date: 12/1/2018 3:46:00 PM
Thank you.
Date: 12/1/2018 11:17:00 AM
I hope God delivers you a miracle Cindi.. Congratulations on your placement in he contest..
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Cindi Rockwell
Date: 12/1/2018 3:46:00 PM
Thank you.
Date: 11/29/2018 8:25:00 AM
A lovely write...You captured the moments quite brilliantly...if it is real..you are one special woman indeed...All the best Cindi
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Rockwell Avatar
Cindi Rockwell
Date: 11/29/2018 9:16:00 AM
Thank you. It is real, making it so raw I was almost afraid to read your comment. Thank you, though, for feeling the picture I painted.
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