It was a beautiful spring day, like today. Lovely blue skies, flowers blooming. Why couldn't it have passed just like every April 12th prior to it? But it didn't. By noon that day, the doctor was asking me if I wanted to put you on life support, Mom. I struggled with the decision because they weren't giving me much hope. But you had the final say, in your own way. You passed peacefully before I could even give the doctor my decision. You left as quietly as a butterfly before we even realized it. You made me promise years before this day that if you died, I would make sure you kept your dignity, even in death. So they let me brush your hair and put a little make-up on you before they took you away. During that time I kissed your face over and over and told you with tears streaming down my face, just how much I love you and that you were the best mother in the world. Before they wheeled you away, I asked a nurse for a pair of scissors and I cut a lock of your hair that remains in my Bible till this day. I miss you so much, Mom, and I will never be the same until we are together again. It will take a thousand years to undo the pain your death caused, the void it left on my soul. Till I see you again, sleep peacefully sweet Marmee....Your daughter