I Wish I Could Turn Back Time

Your once bright eyes are dull and cloudy now.

It takes you an age to get up to say hello to me when I walk in the room, and I can see the effort you put into doing so.

Your hearing has got worse and worse, to the point where sometimes I can see you watching my gestures and body language to understand me, rather than hearing the words I'm speaking.

Doctor Manuela tells me your heart is enlarged and your blood pressure is not being controlled so well despite the tablets.

Your immense physical strength - so unusual for a lady - is a dim and distant memory. Your grip is no longer the vice I remember from when we were young.

The kids you helped us bring up are no longer at home, so maybe you feel your job is done.

You sleep so soundly in your chair in my office while I work.

The day I have dreaded can't be too far away now.

Despite your unwavering faith in me for so many years, I just don't have the power to turn the clock back for you.

I'm going to miss you so much, Tia, my (Very) Old English Sheepdog.