On the last day,

I hope I am 100.

My beloveds surrounding me.

Where all is remembered and forgiven.

On the last day,

I hope the sun is shining,

As I look up one final time,

Its beams warming me to my very core.

On the last day,

I want to eat dark chocolate.

Sushi, fried chicken, ice cream.

My last meal.

On the last day,

I want to watch a silly reality TV show.

Listen to Billy Joel.

Read a book. My own, preferably.

On the last day,

I want to hold your hand.

And tell you that it’s going to be okay.

No, more than okay. It’s going to be fabulous.

On the last day,

I will remember when I was young.

When I thought 40 was “old”.

When the end seemed so far away.

Not knowing that really, it isn’t.

That this gift of time is fleeting.

On the last day,

I want smiles, laughter, hugs, and whispered I love yous.

On the last day,

I want to remember the warmth.

On the last day,

I hope you remember my face.

Each wrinkle. Each scar.

How they came to be.

On the last day,

I hope to be the first to go.

I hope you have each other.

I hope you forgive my selfishness.

On the last day,

I will look at all the light in my life,

And not regret a single moment.

On the last day,

I will cherish my loves

And know I did my best.

On the last day,

Let us walk into the light.

On the last day,

Happiness stays.

***