3 Weeks

Mom was finally home. She had cancer and she finally came home after 197 days since she left for diagnosis. They had to admit her as soon as possible. So, Dad threw her a party – for celebrating her victory. I still remember how happy I was that day. I did not leave her even for a moment; I had my exams and I could hardly visit her back when she was admitted. Although she smelled like medicines, I couldn’t have loved her more. Everything went back to normal. The best 3 weeks of my life. Mom fell sick again. This time, it was serious. The thing about cancer is that when it strikes back, it comes back for worse. I saw her sleep on the hospital bed all day long. She got so weak; she couldn’t even stay up. I used to stand in the corner, and just watch her sleep. Mom always said – “We can’t control what happens to us. But, we can always control how we deal with it.”. Inside, I was all soaked-up with my tears that I never let out; I was hoping Mom would wake up and smile at me. And she won’t like watching me cry. I just stared at her, every day. I stood in the corner, taking power naps, and not letting her out of my sight for as long as I could. Hope; hope is a dangerous thing. When love is as pure as the relationship, you get the feeling of what’s going to happen next. I realized it was her day. I just hugged her for 15 long minutes, trying to soak her in for as many lifetimes as I could. She passed away that night. She looked so calm, so precious, that, when that one salt-water drop escaped my eye, I just couldn’t hold them in any longer. I just sat in front of her, and Dad did not stop me at that time. He lost the love of his life. I just looked at her. Although she was lifeless, I could feel like she was looking at me and smiling, just like I wanted her to. It has been 4 years now. I go to my balcony sometimes, sit down on the floor and I close my eyes. And, all I remember is those 3 weeks. I was the happiest kid.

“When God took you back, he said Hallelujah, you’re home”