May 1st I sat beside my 75yr old mother. My minds eye cannot comprehend her age, or mine. I knew we didnt have long together. I was awoken from a sound sleep Saturday before at 6am, with the words “Go see your Mom” screaming in my head. As I knocked on the ICU doors I told the nurses I am aware it is not visiting hours, but could I please see my Mom? She had an oxygen mask on, but that did not prevent she and I from singing every church song she’d raised me up on. “Mama, open your eyes. Please ” “Why?” “I just want to look into your  beautiful green eyes.” I was burning that vision in my soul forever. That was the last time she opened her eyes. My heart breaks to hear my Mom call my name. It’s almost impossible to catch my next breath. “Mom I have your voice and your hands. I promise I’ll do something good with them. I love you Mama”.