I remember the time
Mom and I were at the store
I let go of her hand
so that I could explore.
I didn’t get too far
before she caught up with me.
She took a deep breath
and took my hand softly.
She said, “Let’s play a game.
This is what I will do –
Squeeze your hand gently.
1…2…3… means I love you
because it’s true I do,
I sure love you.
Then it’s your turn –
1…2…3… means you love me, too.
Always remember,
those three squeezes
mean stay close by because
I love you to pieces.”
Years later, I sat beside her.
She fought a good fight
but she just couldn’t win
and was slipping into the night.
No voice but her eyes said
she could understand.
I took a deep breath
and held her soft hand
and said, “Let’s play our game.
This is what I will do
squeeze your hand gently.
1…2…3… means I love you
because it’s true I do,
I sure love you.
Then it’s your turn
1…2…3… means you love me, too.
Always remember,
those three squeezes
when you say goodbye because
I love you to pieces.”
She’s been gone awhile now
and of course I miss her.
But I find comfort knowing
this isn’t forever.
Until the day comes
when all will be made fair
I hold my hand up and
give three squeezes to the air.
And say, “This is our game
and I will continue to squeeze
with no return.
1…2…3.. means I love you
because it’s true I do.
I sure miss you.
I can hardly wait until
1…2…3.. means you love me, too.
Always remember,
three squeezes
and I love you to pieces.”
© 2013 ck’s days
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That was beautiful! Now I need to go find a tissue to wipe my eyes. 😥
Thanks for reading, NJ 😉
Oh, this is really so lovely!! ❤ Yes, I'm wiping my eyes too! This reminds me so much of that time when my Mum was slipping away in her hospital bed. I used the hand squeeze too, mainly because she couldn't speak sometimes, she'd fall into a semi coma (largely to do with the drugs) and I asked her to squeeze my hand if she could hear me. I got a very faint squeeze in reply, but it was an unmistakable squeeze – it was very reassuring, at least I knew in some way she was still present.
Well done for this, you've conveyed a wonderful message here! 🙂 It's not something we ever believe we will have to do when we are children, that the roles will be reversed, and we will become a guardian to our parents – but it happens. Perhaps families should talk about this more, but I guess no-one wants to scare the children or themselves, it's a tricky subject to tackle!
Thank you! I’ve always been quite selfishly proud of this one. It holds a special place in my heart. I’m glad others like it also 🙂
Very nice poem!
Thank you! 😄