He stood next to her bed listening intently, not wanting to interrupt even though he’d heard the story many times before…HELL!! HE’D LIVED IT! Therefore, no one knew it better than he did, but she always told the story well enough to truly reveal just how proud she was, (each of the hundreds of times, he had heard her tell it before) however this time, for everyone listening, it was different.

 

At that moment, the tragic thought that he may never hear her version of the story again occurred to him, so he decided against the usual displays of his arrogance, interrupting and tarnishing the cherished memory that she seemed to cling to with her very life.

 

He felt his eyes widen in fear briefly as he gazed down at her. He averted his eyes away from her rapidly, to fortify himself while combatting his own unrelenting sadness, then returned his attention to her hazy eyes quickly as she smiled up at him beaming proudly. With renewed strength, he returned the smile bravely then seized her hand tightly.

 

“Go on Gran. Tell it again! I love the way you tell it. You tell it way better than I ever could… and that’s saying a lot because I do everything… oh… so… well!”

 

He insisted with his voice displaying his newly summoned strength. He smiled proudly at her as he leaned in and gently kissed her forehead then whispered. “I’m proud of you too, Gran! You are my heart! Always!”   Her lips trembled as she nodded weakly then smiled, acknowledging his request.He couldn’t be weak now no matter how badly he wanted to collapse in front of everyone. She was without a doubt, the most important woman in his life and he knew that she needed his strength or she would never be able to endure the ordeal that she now so bravely faced. He forced himself to subdue his fear and sadness instantly transforming into the mountain of courage she desperately needed. He held her hand firmly. “Go on, Gran. I’ve got you.” He whispered.

 

She took a deep labored breath, blinked slightly as tears trickled from her eyes then began in spite of her fragile trembling voice. Everyone else in the room understood her clearly but at this point, some of the onlookers could no longer contain their own sorrowful tears… for they too had heard the story several times and would also indulge her retelling of it…. once more….