I remember the white sheets
on the adjustable hospital bed his health plan had provided, in my parents room.
I remember the suit my mom and aunt had dressed my father in.
Thats the way its done in Peru.
I remember the delicate frame
with a picture of me kissing my father when i was 4 years old on his antique night table.
I remember the smell of the night table.
The smell of wood.
I remember his smell.
I can't explain it... The sweet beautiful aroma when he was near.
I remember hearing the cries and sobs of my family.
I remember kissing his cheek and forehead and still feeling the warmth of life in him.
I remember holding his hand and pressing it up against my cheek.
I remember feeling the sharp sting of tears in my eyes.
I remember the taste of the salty tears on my mouth.
I remember feeling empty, like a part of me had left me.
I remember feeling hurt,angry and abandoned.
I remember feeling Holly, the nurse's hand on my shoulder.

I remember saying goodbye.