The Cross Over

Every breath is taxing

Like I have a weight on my chest.

I cough and wheeze

Feeling tired and anguished.

I close my eyes to rest

For a little while.

I lean back against my pillow

Waiting to dream.

Then I hear something,

Or someone, whispering to me.

I hear it getting closer,

A young woman’s voice speaks to me.

“Hi mommy, I’ve missed you,”

Deborah, my 8 year old daughter exclaimed.

I stared at her round face and golden curly hair.

She wore a white dress adorned with a golden belt.

Another figure appeared behind her,

I could make out the form of a man.

He stood behind Deborah, looking down

Smiling at me.

Then I remembered, he was my husband, Jack.

Without word, he extended his hand forward;

Palm outstretched as if waiting for mine.

“Come honey, it’s time to go home.”

Tears fill my eyes.

It was finally time for me to go home.

I reach out my hand and my palm touches Jack’s

And for the first time in a while

I can breathe.