To an Ailing Family Member

I'm not ready to say good bye

And I won't be for a long time

So you don't get to go anywhere

I realize I must live my own life

Figure out my own path

But should I have to do it

With out you by my side

Or at least a phone call away

So I'm not asking you

I am telling you to stay

Whether you think you

Have a choice in this or not

You are not going anywhere

At least not very far for very long

Sure I can be brave and strong

But should I have to do so alone

I love you

I always will

No matter where you go

No matter how far away

Or for how long you go

I love you

I always will

Sure I could live on with out you

But I don't want to have to

I want to be able to call you

When I have good news

I want to have you listen

When I don't know what to do

You don't have to say a thing

Though I would prefer that you do

I want to have the choice to see you

To see your face

And feel your embrace

Whether your eyes are happy or sad

Whether your feeling good or bad

I will be there whenever I can

So please don't go

Not anytime soon

Stay here for as long as you can