What I know,
about you,
is renal cell carcinoma,
metastasis,
hemorrhage,
ischemic bowel
renal failure,
continuous veno-venous hemodialysis,
norepinephrine and vasopressin,
anuria,
pressure ulcers,
anasarca,
liver failure and jaundice,
and finally,
digital necrosis.
What I know,
is a loving wife,
devoted and vociferous,
three daughters,
one with child,
(your grandchild)
full of fear and hesitation,
a faith in God,
and a favorite dog.
A Sunday paper,
an obituary,
and what I learned.
A Vietnam veteran,
a Marine,
a soldier and survivor,
a Purple Heart,
a hero.
A businessman,
a Miller brewing man,
and a husband of 43 years.
What I did not know,
could be kept in volumes,
of that I am sure,
but what I do know,
and what I learned,
will live in me forever.
