Alva's Prayer

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Alva's Prayer

Alva, my favorite resident,
turned 100 the other day.
After all the celebration,
I heard her quietly pray:
Dear God,
I know I must thank You
for the span of time been given to me.
I'm grateful. I can still laugh and walk,
read my Bible, and speak daily with Thee.
But Lord, I've outlived two husbands,
and I've buried my one precious son.
You know I'm not scared of dying.
I believe that my work here is done.
I've recorded down all of my memories.
I have nothing more to say.
And You know I'd trade all my tomorrows,
for one single yesterday.


Alva still wears her Yves-Saint Laurents
with lace garters under her clothes.
She puts on her face each morning,
and paints pink polish onto her toes.
For her birthday I gave her one simple rose.
The only way that I could say--
I know you'd trade bouquets of tomorrows,
for one single bloom of yesterday.



I work in an Assited-Living Residence for elders.
My Alva turned 101 July 22, 2005.

Sadly, Alva died in January, 2006. She is in heaven with her precious son.