His independence

taken by stroke;

he fights back

and I am there for him.

Near, aware,

anticipating his needs,

but reaching out

only as he calls.

Standing silently by

as he struggles

to regain all

that he has lost

Recognizing little steps,

slow walks, independent moves;

as days, months, and years pass,

on its own personal schedule.

I am the well spouse;

aware of his needs

while minding those

of my own.

Plans for tomorrow

are fluid, ever changing.

Still,

I am there for him.

Read other works by Sue in “From My Heart in Pictures and Poetry” and “Storms of Stroke.”