Nobody tells you that you’re going to miss taking care of your loved one.
That you’re going to miss feeding them and helping them use the bathroom.
That you’re going to miss helping them stand up and pushing them down the street in their wheelchair.
Nobody tells you that you’re going to miss the long, slow days spent with your loved one.
That you’re going to miss singing songs and reading books to them.
That you’re going to miss hearing the sound of their voice as they talk about absolutely nothing at all.
Nobody tells you that you’re going to miss the days spent saying goodbye.
That you’re going to miss kneeling by their bedside, holding their hands and listening to their favorite music.
That you’re going to miss playing with their hair as you tell them how much you love them and how much you’ll miss them, but also that it’s okay to let go.
Nobody tells you that you’re going to miss the quiet and intimate moments spent in the in between, wanting to both desperately hold on and selflessly let go at the same time.
Nobody tells you that you’re going to miss the hard days, too.
Or at least, nobody told me.
So, I’m telling you now.
Linger for just another moment.
Pause.
Take a beat, take a breath.
Burn the imprint of this memory into your heart and soul forever.
Because trust me, someday you’re going to miss this.
