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Chapter 1
Buttercups

By AnnieGale

Buttercups in jelly jars placed upon the table
gathered from the fields edge near the trees of Maple

Tiny hands clutched with flowers more yellow than the sun
are precious like jewels eagerly given from your little one

A delicate flower held under your chin gives a golden glow
"you must like butter mommy, it must be so"

Buttercups in jelly jars make me want to cry
where once were tiny yellow flowers are now just years gone by

Author Notes Now that my children are grown, I miss those bunches of flowers in the Spring...but will soon welcome my first granddaughter that may one day pick flowers for me. Thank you to susanlen for the beautiful artwork also.


Chapter 2
She

By AnnieGale

She didn't lock her door
she got lost going to the store

She misplaces the keys
gets down and prays to God on her knees

What is happening to her mind
please help me to remember, please help me to find

Feeling lost in this place
sometimes forgetting a familiar face

She's scared inside her head
everyday feeling unsure and wanting just to stay in bed

She must find out what is wrong
but has been afraid of the answer all along

The horrible disease that she may have
Alzheimer's, feeling overwhelmed and sad

The doctor said there is no cure
is life now worth living and fighting for

Not wanting to forget all those she loves
trying to find courage and strength from heaven above

Author Notes no punctuation and thank you to Anne for the artwork


Chapter 3
Desire

By AnnieGale

I desire to feel your body, glistening with sweat
as it lingers above my need for you~
Your lips sweet as honey capture mine
in a heated kiss, driving me wild with anticipation
of what we would do~
Clinging to your every touch, you are sensual,
electric...I quickly respond to the soft
passion that you seek~
And I feel myself drifting closer, closer in my abandon
as your caresses make me hot and weak,
I don't want this to ever end but our eagerness
to make love has become a fire too strong to contain~
And as I suddenly awake from this tender dream a
tear stains my cheek, I reach for you in a whisper,
saying your name~



Author Notes Thank you to Arder De Deseos for the beautiful artwork...


Chapter 4
Mom

By AnnieGale

A face that lights up a room
that's what I look forward to
now even more with her childlike
innocence that draws me near..
My heart immediately goes out
to her as I see her face and
she smiles back as I appear..
I sit beside her and kiss her
cheek, I ask about her day
but she doesn't remember this
morning and surely not yesterday..
I wish just for her happiness
I pray that so much for her
and I hope she knows I love her
Without an uttered word..

Author Notes My mother is in stage 6 Alzheimer's...she is even more precious to me everyday that goes by. I also want to thank Bertodi for the awesome artwork.


Chapter 5
Celebration Day

By AnnieGale

Ring in the New Year
with hope, love and faith
for what's ahead that we
all shall face~

Many will have changes,
disappointments, goodness
and bad, travel to unknown
places...be joyous or sad~

But I wish you well, good
health and much happiness,
all the best for all that's
wonderful and all that's blessed~

Author Notes Happy 2014 and thank you to ducilla for the lovely artwork!!


Chapter 7
Pet

By AnnieGale

Lost a loving pet...
He was our old yellow friend...
Miss him forever...

Author Notes Came home from a trip today and found out our family pet of 14 years had passed away, just heartbreaking...Thank you to Rosco71 for the photo....I do know this is supposed to be about romance but this is a love between an animal and his human...


Chapter 8
The Moon

By AnnieGale

So beautiful is the moon
as it sits high in its
solitude, looking down from
its beaming throne...
reminding me of its
magnificent loneliness so
close, you can almost touch
it, but it sits unreachable
in its loveliness most often
taken for granted...

Author Notes I would like to thank SteveANH for his beautiful artwork


Chapter 9
The Grip

By AnnieGale

She knows there's nothing she can do
so alone at night she cries...
She cries so no one can hear
in the darkened silence of her room,
she cries for what's lost,
for what she can't change,
for whom she can't help,
for what she became...
An overwhelming feeling of
guilt, of sadness of the unhappy
wasted years of her life, she wipes her tears as
they slide to her lips, tasting the saltiness
of the wet streams that slide there...
But when morning dawns she cleans her face, putting on
the familiar pretentious smile, nothing wrong here she says to herself
knowing that night will befall with it's heavy grip once again
refusing to let go...


Chapter 10
The Walk

By AnnieGale

The approaching winter sun will cast longer shadows on the browning lawns in the mid of afternoon...with crystal blue cloudless skies, the chill of night will come all too soon...

The frost clings to dried leaves that linger long on trees, not yet blown free in the cold evenings wind...though will slowly melt in the latter part of morning by the undying sun with the warmth it brings...

Coming in from a crisp walk on this beautiful late fall day, makes me feel relaxed and cozy with the fireplace lit...I heat up the leftover coffee, collect my thoughts, ponder the evening ahead and by the glowing ambers, I sit..


Chapter 11
Stranger

By AnnieGale

And a stranger you are to me
though we have much in common...
Like a friend we search for the
same things, not knowing just
from where it comes...
But blindly we go in with courage
and trust, wearing our hearts
on our sleeve, putting on our best,
showing all that we care for and believe...
Hoping for something special
and worthwhile to share...
Not knowing for sure that it
could be you, that's waiting there...


Chapter 12
Time

By AnnieGale

Where has time taken us except through difficult and good...Wish we could go back to grab hold of every precious minute that was snatched from us so quickly...Seeing you again makes me realize that our lives are short, spent on things that mostly we have wasted in our youth...
But there have been great things, beautiful things along the way, irreplaceable gifts bestowed upon us and even blessings in disguise to cherish in our arms and in our hearts...
And now we grasp hold of those things, cling tight so we don't loss sight of what is most important...So if time passes quickly, we make those moments count, tell those we love most dear how much they matter, how much they make a difference in our life, how much we have loved ~

Author Notes This is my style of writing and these are my personal thoughts. Punctuation or lack there of is not my priority.


Chapter 13
Love

By AnnieGale

Through my eyes the depths of my soul are bottomless,
with pools so deep that you may drown...

On my lips you will taste the sweetness and beauty that
I hold only for you...

In my arms you may cling tight and never let go to the
surrounding heat and passion that you feel there...

And only through my heart may you stay and live within
its beating embrace till the end of time ~


Chapter 14
I Remember

By AnnieGale

Our lives will never meet again,
our hands will never touch,
no one mentioned the hurt would
be so much...
What can I do, I'm left behind,
too search for you and never find...
No sight, no sound, you are not around~

Now all I have are memories, I
am here without you, I have no choice,
I can't hear your voice...

Life still goes on, I stop and
wonder, I glance back into my mind,
hope you somehow know, I remember...

I'll treasure the good times, remember
the loving smile in your eyes,
with my heart I hold you close
as time goes drifting by ~


Chapter 15
Hurt

By AnnieGale

The long endless summers of the sixties were times of loneliness, tears and frustrations in a young girls life. Broken dreams, broken family, shattered what happiness she had hoped for.
Why was everyone so blind? Couldn't they see she was hurting? I guess because she was invisible, she felt suddenly all alone.
But music pulled her into a life of escape from a careless world. It gave her dreams of promise where there was none. Hope for love, independence, strength. Even as "One" from Three Dog Night played in the background on the juke box she felt empowered for better things.
Music became the only thing in her life that was a constant, it was dependable, it feels as she herself feels.
Even though time now has passed, a song can take her back to a time when all those emotions become real again.
But she is not that girl anymore. That was long ago. She has learned from those mistakes that were not of her own choosing, she counts only on herself...has shrugged off the past...Or has she....


Chapter 16
Rain

By AnnieGale

The rain will come again
to brings it's dark dreary
gloom to some...but bring it's
clean refreshing newness to
others...It will replenish
the earth and soul, drench as
tears down window panes...It's
warm or cool and drops as diamonds
in the sand or rushes to the ground
in a rhythm quick as a lovers heartbeat...
It's soothing and sometimes wicked...
it is life in it's raw simplest form ~


Chapter 17
Autumn

By AnnieGale

Empty birds nests linger in the trees
with the changing color of the leaves
as the chilled winds blow...
Cold nips my nose, breath lingers
in the air, gray clouds looking like snow...
Pumpkins in patches and flowered Mums
still hold their own...with nights longer,
the moon and stars are brightly shown...
The glow of candles and smells of Autumn are all around,
Thanksgiving is on it's way, where families gather together and
loved ones travel to town...My favorite holiday ~


Chapter 18
Thank You

By AnnieGale

Thank you Lord for the purest blue
of the sky...for the brilliant white
of the clouds as they pass by...
Thank you for the shining sun
that gently kisses my face,
for the sparkling moon and
stars, in the darkness of
night they grace..
Thank you for the special people
in my life and in my heart, and this
wonderful world that I am of part...
I am just so blessed to say...
Thank you Lord, for another glorious day~


Chapter 19
Missing You

By AnnieGale

If you were here beside me,
my heart would soar..
If I could just have one
last moment, I wouldn't ask
for more...
I would make it last a forever,
just to say good-bye...
fill my soul with all of you,
before off to heaven you'd fly ~


Chapter 20
Season

By AnnieGale

The haze around the harvest moon promises
summer is almost lost...but it still beckons with
it's warm days and some tree stumps are still
covered with bright green moss...

Pumpkins, Marigolds and Mums alive with
sunset colors of orange, yellow and
red...dominate the withering gardens and the
browning leaves of the flower bed...

Colder nights will soon be here and frost
will cover the valley...and Winter will linger
long till the first speck of green breaks through
the thawing earth in the miracle of Springs morning ~


Chapter 21
Betrayal

By AnnieGale

Sitting at the police station Susan Ryan ran her hands through her auburn hair and dabbed tears still streaming from her light emerald eyes. She was still trying to comprehend what had happened and why would Kevin, her husband of five years do this to her. The last 24 hours have been a total unbelievable nightmare. She knew they have had problems and had decided to separate, but to go to this extent? Yesterday at this time she wouldn't have believed it would ever go this far.
Sergeant Johnson had offered her a cup of coffee and asked her to try and remember everything she could. She graciously accepted then he left to get the coffee and she recounted the days before going to the hotel.

Susan knew it wouldn't work out even before she arrived at the hotel with her estranged husband, Kevin. Their relationship had been deteriorating for several months now and I guess this was a last ditch attempt to possibly resolve their differences. She reluctantly agreed to go. It was the least she could do, she supposed.
She had actually given up hope for a reconciliation when she discovered that Kevin was involved with someone else. He had been staying longer at work, texting more often than usual. He went to the store one night to pick up some food for dinner. He was gone an extremely long time. When he returned home, he didn't have the groceries but smelled strongly of alcohol. They argued and he had called her a suspicious liar when she mentioned the lack of groceries. She was tired of this routine arguing. Her lack of a family growing up had made her want to hang in there but this was not what she wanted. She wanted to be happy again. She thought to herself, where did this start going wrong?
Kevin had gone to bed with a slam of the bedroom door. She just felt empty inside. His drinking was getting worse, she could see that now. Then she heard a buzzing sound on the kitchen table. Kevin had left his cell phone there. Someone had just left him a message. Susan believed in respecting others privacy but it was late and it could have been an emergency but possibly something else and her curiosity got the best of her. She picked up the phone and there it was, "That last kiss wasn't long enough, maybe next time we'll have more time"....Susan had suspected but put it out of her mind, possibly living in denial but now it slapped her hard and cold across the face.
The next day she confronted the now sober Kevin about the message. She expected the rage from checking up on him and of course his denying everything at first. Then he told her everything about the sneaking around, etc., but he wouldn't say who she was, promising never to see or speak with her again. Susan just couldn't bring herself to believe him though. She packed a bag and went to her best friends house.
Their 5 year marriage was over as far as she was concerned. But Kevin called her and somehow persuaded her into going away to their once favorite place. Maybe a change would do them both good, talk things through. Maybe the change of scenery would be a good idea, even if it was just to say good-bye.

The beach was relaxing, the sand warm and the deep blue water cool as they walked along the oceans edge, bending to pick up a pretty shell or stone to throw back into the sea. They talked of many things, work, money, the kids that they had wanted but never had. Maybe life had a way of snatching the good from two people living together, struggling with the realities of everyday. They used to do everything together, now they fought constantly over everything. But going back now was much too late, the affair was more than she could deal with. She watched her mother go through it and she swore she wouldn't allow that in her marriage. She had to tell him that this was it for her. There was no trust anymore and hasn't been any respect for quite sometime.
They decided to head back to the hotel to change and shower before dinner. But in spite of everything it had felt like a good day to her, like a weight lifted off her shoulders because now she knew what she needed to do. She even felt sorry for her husband, sometimes he seemed like a lost child. But people have to grow up and she had done that already.
As they walked to the desk to check their messages they heard a loud argument in the bar near the pool. Two men were in a heated discussion and ready to draw fists. Stopped in their tracks the hotel manager had escorted one of the gentlemen out and told him that he would call the police if he came back.
The dark haired man yelled at the other man in the blue suit to watch his back! Both had apparently been drinking. Kevin went unnoticeably pale.
Deciding to skip the desk and go straight to their room with the two queen sized beds facing an ocean view, they showered separately. Susan feeling refreshed, the bar argument forgotten they headed downstairs for dinner.
The stuffed flounder and baked potato looked and smelled great but Susan only picked at her salad. There were very few words spoken at dinner. The true realization of their marriage lay before them like an open sore. She didn't love this person anymore and maybe he realized it too. They were like strangers. She didn't know him anymore, she only wanted to be happy again. She wanted that for him also. She suddenly felt sad, sad for both of them, because it wasn't always this way.

After dinner they were slowly walking back to their room when Kevin's phone rang. He excused himself and asked Susan to go on ahead. She didn't question the call for he received many calls from colleagues all the time. Kevin was a lawyer for one of the biggest law firms in the area. Sometimes business calls could take awhile. But back in her mind she still thought it might be that mystery woman he had been seeing, but what did it matter, it was over. She knew it. When they get back to town she would file for divorce but decided not to mention the affair, just to save face, hers and his.
Kevin was taking longer than anticipated so she decided to put on her nightgown and go to sleep. Sleep would take her away from her troubles, she had hoped.
As soon as she laid her head upon the pillow she heard a commotion out in the hall, just outside the door. Sounded like arguing and shuffling of feet. Maybe a physical fight, then what sounded like someone running away. It scared her and she reached for the phone to call the front desk. As she picked up the receiver there was suddenly a banging and pounding on the door.
She froze for a moment then she heard a stranger call her name to open the door. She fumbled for her robe. Standing at the door with shaking hands and nervous voice she asked, "Who is it"? The voice on the other side said, "It's the house detective, Mrs. Ryan", please open the door! Susan opened the door only to see her husband laying on the floor in a puddle of blood, she pushed passed the detective to Kevin's crumbled body. Sirens barely heard in the distance, everything whirling in her head she called his name over and over....but to her dismay he did not answer...he never would again.


The Sergeant walked back and handed her the coffee, she sipped the strong bitter tasting liquid and tried to pull herself together. Sergeant Johnson handed Susan a piece of paper and asked her to read it. She was shocked of what she was reading. This couldn't be she thought to herself. When she was through she handed it back to the Sergeant, tears filling her eyes again. The hotel house detective was suddenly there as well and explained to her the theory of events.
Her husband had planned to have Susan murdered by the stranger at the bar, the one that was escorted from the building. Kevin had paid the man $50,000 to kill his wife. Little did Kevin know that the other man in the blue suit at the bar drunkenly mentioned it to someone how the other guy was bragging that he was paid to kill someone at the hotel. The house detective was called in to investigate and keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior.
"What we now believe", said the detective, is that the man came back to the hotel. That was the call that your husband received as you walked back from dinner to say that you would be alone in your room. We also believe that your husband had a last minute change of heart and he confronted the killer outside your door and they fought. The other man stabbed your husband and ran off. He is now in our custody and has admitted to everything. He will be charged with intent to kill you and the murder of your husband.
Susan walked slowly from the police station to an awaiting police car to take her home...We are so sorry they said, but nothing they said made this any easier in her heart or mind. There will still be many unanswered questions as to why. Her only consolation was that Kevin had tried to stop what he had put in motion. She recalled the words she read in the undelivered note that the Sergeant handed her written in Kevin's pen, "I've changed my mind, she doesn't deserve this, it's all my fault. Just keep the money and go away, I love my wife. I want to make things right with her!
"I love you too Kevin", she realized to herself as the car drove off...


Author Notes Thank you to Lynnette Smallwood for the awesome artwork.


Chapter 22
Life's Journey

By AnnieGale

All the roads I've traveled
down...not one has been the same...
Everything's a journey...life
is not a game...

There is good and bad
behind me...what lies
ahead unknown...I'll take
my chances at living...even
if I go alone ~


Chapter 23
The Day

By AnnieGale

Sometimes early in the morning before the alarm goes off I listen to the sounds of the world around me. A dog barking outside, a train whistle blowing it's warning in the distance, the clock ticking over the stone fireplace in the kitchen where the smell of fresh coffee will soon bring it's strong aroma to my room to get me up from my night slumber.
I enjoy that quiet time before the day begins, before the chores and errands, before the school bell rings and all the rushing about begins.
And at the end of the day when the sky is a dull gray, things will once again return to calm and quiet. I will ponder the day, think of all I've done and the things I'll do tomorrow, listening to the sounds of the night as I drift off to sleep, tucked in tight....Zzzzzzz

Author Notes I'd like to thank wolf6249107 for the beautiful artwork!!


Chapter 24
Beach

By AnnieGale

As I walk along, the sand cool beneath my feet, a slight breeze lifts tiny tendrils of hair about my sun kissed cheeks. The early evening shadows cast long in front of me, my mind is peaceful and clear. The lonely lighthouse in the distance speaks to the ships on the ocean, a haunting sound yet comforting somehow. It's as if this is where I belong.
Red-winged black birds fleet about the tall sea grass and a lone seagull glides above me and sings his distinctive song before the evening darkness falls. Calmness has set upon the beach as sunbathers had gathered their belongings hours before and have headed home. I wonder if they truly enjoy the beauty of this as I do for it is much more than a mere vacation.
I wish this day would never end and then I may spend an eternity here. But hesitantly I have to head back up the same path through the dunes from which I came.
I walk slowly listening to the sound of the waves hitting the shore, inhaling the sweet salty air that will cling tight to my skin and enjoy the beautiful setting sun to the west.
I occasionally glance down to pick up a small stone to again toss back into the sand or pick up a delicate colorful seashell to give to my daughter. Yes, this is where I belong, I feel it deep within my soul...but it feels like a world away from the hustle bustle life and somehow gets lost or taken for granted by others, but not by me for I feel I am part of the sea.

Author Notes I am not sure where I found the beautiful photo, but it seems to fit.


Chapter 25
Dream Lover

By AnnieGale

If I could wake to see
your face just once
It would sustain me
for a lifetime

I'd wrap you tenderly
in my arms and pretend
you'll never leave

Your eyes and handsome
face I would study
with contentment

And your every touch
I'll hold close in my
treasured heart of dreams

That night I would remember
the tender intimacy
we together shared

I'll secretly love you
for all eternity
wishing only to speak
the words aloud...
only if I dared

Author Notes Thank you for the wonderful artwork by cleo85


Chapter 26
Loss

By AnnieGale

I feel ugly today, insignificant
I have no joy in my soul at the moment
keeping a grim sadness within this face
Getting out of bed seems useless
there is nothing I like about this place...

I feel so empty inside, like everything in me
has disappeared. I lay on my bed like nothingness as
my face is stained and wet with tears...

I know that you are gone and I can't bring you back
but I can't seem to escape from this deep depressive
attack...

Oh, I do the things I should, putting up this thick invisible wall
wanting no one to see what lies behind, constantly hoping that
it doesn't crumble and fall...

But I pray to get past this, hoping to free from its dark strangling grip
but my heart has been broken, shattered into tiny bits...

Author Notes Thank you to corrinas creations for the expressive artwork.
I miss you my dear baby sister...this is not good-bye


Chapter 27
Best of Life

By AnnieGale

The best of life is hope
hope for love unconditional
hope for a cure
health, happiness and family
The best of life is love
love for all living beings
love to make a better tomorrow
caring, sharing and being there
The best of life is faith
faith in ourselves
in God and others
making today and everyday more precious

Author Notes Thank you to the artist Angelheart for the lovely artwork


Chapter 28
Spiderwebs

By AnnieGale

Spider webs like beautifully spun clouds across the grass and shrubs

Spread wide to catch an insect which might cross it's path

To grasp in her clutches the resources for her or her babies to have for now or to last the vast winter ahead

The creature waits in hiding of her unsuspecting prey, waiting to take the life of her food so that she may survive

At least another day

Author Notes Thank you to ozzyart for the lovely artwork


Chapter 29
Hallways

By AnnieGale

I walk these long hallways often, the people and the smells familiar. The sickness, long illnesses and confused loneliness lingers and fills the rooms as I walk past the many doorways. I could walk my way blindfolded for I know this place like the back of my hand although I wish I never had to be here at all.
The people I see everyday with their blank stares looking at nothing in particular, asking a nurse for help, or sometimes talking to people unseen.
It's sad that these are their ending years and for some, very empty lonely years. So many times I stop to say a kind hello, hoping to make someone's day
a little better because I do sincerely understand that we all need someone to care.
The clank and clatter of the dinner cart in the hallway is predictable as always...5:00pm sharp. The smell of the food and the sterile cleanliness mingled together in the air almost sickens my stomach. Alarm bells sound as someone tries to get up from a wheelchair or from the opening of a secure coded door rings loud in my ears.
But my walk is deliberate because her is where my mother will spend her last moments in time. Locked behind a secured unit for her safety as well as many others that suffer with this horrible disease of Alzheimer's.
I could cry every time I visit, but I'm the strong one now, I am her protector, her familiar smile, the one that knows what's best for her. The one that carries the guilt of the one that put her here.
But the place is lovely like home and the staff are caring and attentive in their skill.
I come and go as I please, visiting my mom as often as possible, bringing her ice cream, watching movies, holding hands and even taking "selfies"...I feel I've made the right choices so I do get some comfort in believing that.
I want her to be as comfortable as possible in her setting and she is. The time we spend together more precious than the finest jewels because love is the most important feeling of all, I cherish every moment. But I know that one day my walks will cease in these very halls that I've grown accustomed. I know that I will miss the familiarness of this place...but of course I'll just miss my mother's innocent smiling face...knowing I'd do it again and again if I had the chance...

Author Notes This is my mother's photo, she is in stage 6 but still looks amazing. These are my thoughts and feelings as I walk the halls of the nursing home to visit my mom.


Chapter 30
Good-Bye 2014

By AnnieGale

Although time may soften the heart with only the sweetest memories of loss...It never ceases to erase the love that's held there within ~

Author Notes Another year passes as we hold onto the good even though we have had many trials and errors. And thank you to angelheart for the beautiful artwork...Happy 2015


Chapter 31
City

By AnnieGale

Chilly day
Windy city air
Chicago

Author Notes Thank you to donkeyoatey for the lovely artwork


Chapter 32
Everything

By AnnieGale

I never was your everything
believing every word you said

You promised to stand by me
in good times and in bad

I thought I was your everything
it started out that way

I wanted so much to be the one
that was in your heart to stay

But I know that kind of love is false
in every way untrue

That kind of love does not exist
at least not for me and you

I never was your everything
it's been hurtful and unkind

To learn of life the hard way
But I'll walk away unblind

Author Notes Thank you to Skyangel02 for the lovely artwork


Chapter 33
choose

By AnnieGale

Being the angel that sits in wait on your shoulder can be a lonely place when you choose the devil on the other side
But I'm willing to sit here by myself for a while as you bide your time
Only hoping you'll notice my glow that shines, for I want your heart so much to belong to mine
I just can't wait forever, someone must win or lose but I hope I'm the one you want,
the one that you finally choose ~

Author Notes Thank you to Angelheart for the beautiful artwork titled "Dreaming of Love"...The title certainly hits home with this writing.


Chapter 34
Give Thanks

By AnnieGale

May we give thanks for what we have

even during times of trouble and pain.

Life can be taken away in an instant

never to be seen again.



Be grateful for family, friends and loved ones

the only things that truly matter.

They are gifts to us to behold dearly

more wonderful to treasure.



Be mindful to show kindness to others,

sometimes they may be silent and suffer.

It's truly better to give from the heart,

a wonderful feeling to care and help others.



Everyone is special although we all have our own lives

But always remember, life becomes more precious as time goes by.

Author Notes Thank you to VMarguarite for the awesome artwork.


Chapter 35
Memories

By AnnieGale

Sitting by the firelight, my skin warm and aglow. Hot mug of chocolate fills my hands, I'm sitting here alone. My thoughts drift of happier times with the holidays so near, I think back to my naive years as I wipe away an unexpected tear.
I remember walking through the snowy pines for a Thanksgiving feast my mom took days to make, remembering the steamy windows with a smile on my face. This old brick house where I once grew, how simple life was then. These were the good 'ole days, only if I knew.
The smell of fresh baked pies, turkey and stuffing filled the air, everyone joyous around a beautifully set table, I am thankful for everyone being there.
Time stands still for a moment, I thought those days would never end, my whole life ahead of me but anxious to make my own traditions and raise my own family.
My mom with her hair done up upon her head, her eyes a sparkling blue, my sisters and I help with putting the food upon the table while listening to Christmas music and laughing too. I miss those times so much I could cry, much has happened, so fast that life goes by.
Nothing is as it was though, I realized it would someday change. I do thank God for those wonderful days but the holidays aren't as happy, the times I once knew will never again be the same.
I step back to my reality with my pup and kitty curled next to me sleeping on the floor, nothing will ever be again as it was before.

Author Notes Thank you to Sierra Treasures for the beautiful artwork...Now making new memories with my own children and grandbabies, the circle of life goes 'round...


Chapter 36
As He Sleeps

By AnnieGale

As he sleeps, I pray he dreams of sliding down colorful rainbows,
or chases bubbles that fly high above with the clouds below.

My sweet grandson of just one with his curly locks of red,
resting his little head in his cozy bed.

So precious to me is he, just to see him grow, a treasure,
watching him play certainly a pleasure.

As he sleeps, I watch his every move and listen to every sigh,
how fast this all will change, how quickly time seems to fly.

My sweet grandson of just one with his tiny turned up nose,
small dimple fisted hands, cute little feet and ten bitty toes.

As he sleeps I pray for God to keep him safe forever and a day,
I'm so thankful for such a wonderful gift, my sweet grandbaby.

Author Notes Was babysitting my handsome grandson, such a joyful little innocent boy. The photo taken while he slept.


Chapter 37
Night Sky

By AnnieGale

Magnificent is the night sky~

brilliant are the stars~

wonderous in the universe~

the Milkyway, the Moon and Mars...

Incredible are the heavens~

gazing upon it's vastness~

the stillness, the silence and splendor~

in thine eyes everlasting....

Author Notes Thank you for the wonderful art from Angelheart titled Star Gazing. Just beautiful!! Punctuation, etc. is not my intention, just words


Chapter 38
I Miss You Mom

By AnnieGale

Sitting here on a winter's day watching the sun dance upon the water as it glistens like a million tiny diamonds. Missing you so much today like every day. The only good thing this very moment is the bright sun high above in the cloudless blue sky. Blue as your eyes.
The wind is crisp and cold. Bitter in it's attempt to freeze my bones but I'm already numb with so much feeling running through my head. Still trying to accept the truth that you are no longer here.

Sadness consumes me, more often then not, sometimes hidden behind a smiling face but it is there none the less just below the surface.
I remember everything all too clear in those last days before you went away. Some things I'll keep in my heart forever, never telling a soul, things all too precious to me.
But I held tight to your hand, still lovely but losing strength. I repeat over and over how beautiful you are while stroking your brow and silver hair, how much I love you and always will. The most wonderful mother a girl could ever ask for, speaking how proud and lucky I was to have you as my mom while tears stained my cheeks and my heart was breaking into bits as I watched you slip away.

I love you still, even more today. I did my best Mom, hope you believe that. But I truly know deep down that you already knew.
So here I sit, at the water's edge alone, writing. Sometimes my only escape. I feel closer to you here somehow, nothing between me and the heavens above. It's like time has stood still for a moment. But really life goes on all around me.
Grief because I've had great love...Yes, that is true.


Author Notes My Mother had Alzheimer's for 7 years, she passed away a little over a year ago.


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