Donna

She'd been in that hospital bed
for months. She'd lost both legs
to Peripheral Vascular Disease.
In a semi-coma, she was pushed
into a corner and maintained.

Somewhere along the way, her brain
registered the inattention. She
was always a commanding presence
in her size, voice, and demeanor.
She was not used to being ignored!

She was in Colorado, we were here.
Her sister called to let us know
the state of Donna. She spoke of us
fondly and wondered if we might
write or call just to show we cared.

Her recovery was amazing. She even
talked of a job offer she'd had. After
all that time in the hospital, without life
and limb, she improved. At first, nursing
facilities were the best choices.

We spoke a few times. She was the same
as I remembered. She has since passed on
but more in keeping with her old self.
Dying alone in a hospital corner
was not Donna's style--not at all.