And then there were four.

Tonight, it became evident, a dear family member is extremely ill. Time is slipping. Days are monuments. Weeks so uncertain. It is known, in the face, how life has a way of changing the winds in the sails. Greatness is measured in the steps taken to a door. Success is making enough breath to stop one's heart from racing. It was a dear, special time we shared tonight. Spoken words of love. Memories. Unspoken thoughts of fleeting time. Mutual realization in the value of spending time with one another. Realizing this moment may be the last moment. I am, deeply touched. I am deeply moved, to a place where I know angels await to greet this loved one. The dimming of the light that has shown from these eyes. Tonight, as I sat, listened and loved, I saw the strand of light that connected each loved one. Just like the lights on my tree, I saw the loyalty, mutual respect, strenght and loss. Long ago, when rocks were skipping across a pond.... when mudballs were bouncing from a school bus....when brothers were fighting over a game...when a sister was finding her way... time stood still for them. There was six. They were strong. Another one of the bubblegum club is blowing his last bubble. Now there are five and soon there will be four. Life's breath has become....less and the love of family more.