I sat today on your side

of the bed

close to the cool

outer wall

and took an inventory

of the items on your nightstand:

a lamp, a sketchbook with a drawing

of our garage with designs and

measurements for the siding

you put up,

a devotional and a Bible,

heating pad, sharpening stone,

a pocket cross, an appointment card,

readers and sunglasses

and a small rock with

the word ‘healing’ written on it.

I touched your things,

held the cross and stone,

sorry that the healing

didn’t stay,

remembering your courage

and your love.

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