Sips

"Speak to me, Patty.

Remember that time? When we sledded down Patterson Hill? And you didn't crash at all? We joked that it was named after you, because you were so amazing.

"Remember when Tig pushed me too far, and I punched him right in the nose? And how it didn't hurt him at all? I remember that you punched him too, but hard, to keep him from laughing so hard.

I loved you for that.

I loved you when you ran away from prom so that we could be together that night. I remember we had had an awful fight the week before, and you went out with Todd. I remember you were barefoot and wild, that golden hair blowing all over the place. I loved you then.

I loved you when you handed me Allie, telling me she needed to have that name so she could fight.

I loved you when you brought home William, named for strength, bravery.

I loved you when you placed Danielle in my arms, how you wanted so badly for them to grow up good, and loved.

I loved you then.

I love you right now.

I love your whispery white hair and your still sparkling blue eyes, even if you aren't saying anything.

Even if it's your very last minute.

I love you now.

I love where we've been.

I love you."