Unworn memory

It all happened too quick, like the speed of light. Michelle was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia a few months ago. It was found too late and it was too severe for any kind of treatment. She took the news very well. I, on the other hand took it as a death sentence, for her and for myself. Michelle is my only child and my best friend.

I sit in Michelle's bedroom, I take everything in. I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath in. The smell of beautiful blossoming flowers in spring time approach my senses. Her scent was so effortlessly fresh. My eyes open and start peering around the room. Michelle's means of life are everywhere around this small room. The walls, she painted when she was 10 years old, are a pale yellow. Her comforter set, we just purchased last year for her birthday, was an amazing eye popping turquoise color. Turquoise has been her favorite color since she was a little girl. Thats just the kind of person she was. When she liked something, she held onto it and rarely ever changed her view on it. Besides with food. Every other week she was gung-ho about a new recipe and they all were her "newest favorite."

I notice a corner of a picture underneath her pillow. I grab the picture. I take a glance at it and feel my eyes become blurred with watery tears. They begin falling from my face like a waterfall. I haven't been able to hold myself together for weeks. I feel like I am a pipe leaking. One would think the leak is in my eyes because that's where the water falls from, but it's much deeper than that, it's in my soul. I take a few moments to let the pain out. I wipe my face and take another look at the picture. It's of Michelle,her father, and me at her orchestra concert when she was 13. She is absolutely stunning in the picture. She has a big smile on her face,her dark curly hair pulled back halfway, and her stunning blue eyes looking straight at the camera, as if she knew I'd need this photo one day to be told everything will be okay.

Michelle always looked so gorgeous and so happy. Even on her death bed she held a strong smile upon her face. She is truly my hero.

I look towards her closet. I stand up with weak knees and slowly open the door. I grab the amazingly perfect dress from her closet and begin hugging it. The color of the dress is of course turquoise with beautiful beads hand stitched all the way around it. Once again, tears form in my eyes remembering one of the last things she said to me. "Mom, I'm sorry I made you buy me that expensive prom dress. I really had my best intentions on wearing it." I start hugging the dress tighter at the thought of her saying that. Michelle's prom dress is unworn physically, but mentally it's been worn. It's my last full happy memory with her.