Rain-slicked mountain road-- The other driver lost control of his car. Your child never had a chance, Your beautiful child, your baby, your star. I lay dying of a broken heart Diseased muscles losing the fight I was told I hadn’t much time to live, That it was hopeless and it seemed they were right. Gifted athlete, who loved to run Legs pumping around the track, Excellent student, full of joy There’s nothing you wouldn’t give to have him back. I lived in the midst of dying Wanting more time, I had more to do Not willing yet to lay down my cards I wanted to live, never thought of you. You were there in the hospital holding his hand, And gave a permission so heart-wrenching to give You made a most heroic choice Letting him live on, letting others live. Doctors and nurses began bustling about Talks of a transplant, blood being drawn. I’d never seriously thought it through That for me to live, someone’s life would be gone. He died in the midst of living So young with so much he needed to do, You had each other far too short a time You’d barely begun, your son and you. His heart with ancient urges burning Now is beating in my chest Pumping life throughout my body Demanding of me to be my best. I’m sure you prayed for it not to have happened, Prayed and begged at the side of his bed, You didn’t get your miracle, But you both gave me mine instead. A parent gives life to their child Your son is parent To my second chance. I honor him with all my being He lives on And I gladly share in the dance. How can I express My joy in your gift? What can I say For your spirit to lift? How can I thank you But with tears of my own. And renewed sense of purpose Far beyond any I’ve ever known. Tears of joy But tears, too, of sorrow But I promise you this— He will have his tomorrow. I’m living for two people now Recycled life Of the highest degree. The legacy he left behind Still beats for you as it beats for me. |