I used to carry my heart deep in my chest,
Safely stored.
It functioned there without a thought,
With no conscious effort required.

Then one day a doctor told us
That our daughter had a disease
That would require a brutal treatment regimen,
That the disease would be brought under control,
And then it would return.

There would be several such cycles,
And then it would kill her.
He was honest, and brutal, and correct.
It all took three years.
I had hoped for five.

Now my heart is very near the surface,
Open and vulnerable.
I dream of her,
I think of her, I miss her,
And tears sting my eyes often.

Her life was one of fun and adventure,
A loving-hearted liberal who offered a helping hand
To people and animals and good causes.
She urged people to keep moving.
She worked for justice.

Suffering is universal. We humans share that.
So, offer a helping hand to people and animals
And good causes. Keep moving.
Work for justice.
Listen. Love one another.

In Memory of Sarah Larson McGettrick 1975 - 2017