THE HONOR AND THE PAIN
(Dedicated to my parents Hazel and Benjamin Lyons)

It is an honor to care for those who cared for me
It is painful to see them not what the used to be
A senior soul is the living record of time and their words are wise,
Though my heart gets heavy when they begin to loose their memory
It is a privilege to be a comfort when they are afraid of their demise.

I have to take care of them the way they took care of me.
I have to make sure they have their meals and are resting comfortably.

The proverbial mile leaves the mortal man frail and his legs loose their stride
It breaks my heart to see their body struggle against the nimble spirit locked inside
I love them both.
Wouldn’t trade them for anything
Remembering when they were young and strong and able to sustain.

A beautiful life that has gracefully become long ago
My heart yet remains,
Their faces still bestow,
The magic of a wonderful life together.

I seek their tender face
We still comfort each other
I help them with loving care at their own pace
A gentle smile will suffice for me to go further

I try to protect them from loneliness and despair
But Lord knows it’s not easy to do,

I make sure they both know I’ll always care
Even when I’m spent and completely through

They restore my tenacity and my heart can always feed
On what they have given me since birth
Was everything any child would ever need
That valuable sense of love and a sense of self worth.

Their December days are all I have
But I’m going to make them as good as I can
Everyday I give them flowers,
Because I give all of my love gently held in my hand.