Following is my poem for PAD that is from another person's view point. I chose my husband's thoughts while we waited for him to be wheeled off for surgery. I know these were his thoughts because he expressed them to me.
Today is my birthday.
I had plans for celebration
but instead I lay in this hospital bed
hooked up to beeping machines.
I place my hand over my wife’s
As she stands by my bed.
She stands on that side of the rail
and I’m lying here, she can’t understand.
This really is a journey each of us takes alone.
I am afraid but I’m a man. I can’t show it,
can’t be the one to crumble under the weight
of the C word and worry what they will cut out.
The anesthecist gives me a shot of courage. I guess
I didn’t carry off the brave act well enough. We
are going, moving to the operating room. I love you
Honey. Did I tell her everything I wanted to?
That she is the best thing that ever happened to me
and if I died today, it would be OK because it’s been
better than I ever dreamed. Not to worry about me.
That I’ll be with my son if I am not here with her.
Yes, I know I did. Nothing left to say, so I’ll sing.
Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to..
