without saying a word :: writing prompt

Without saying a word we knew it was time to say goodbye
For so long you held on
Standing there besides you tears fell  
We did not know what to say to you or each other
We stood side by side and let you know it was ok to go

Without saying a word we knew that we were all traveling through our memories
Visions of handmade birdhouses and fixed up bicycles
Asking for directions on the way to FDU
The enormity of your car door
The sound of Frank Sinatra coming from the breezeway

Without saying a word we held each other up
Gratitude poured from our hearts for all you had taught us
There was so much love and laughter
Taps on the arm, corny jokes told
Paddle board games at the swim club

Without saying a word we gathered the day you left
Miles away from you
But together with each other 
It felt as if you were waiting for that moment
You did not want anyone to be alone when you took your final breathe

Without saying a word we gave thanks for the life you lived and the love you shared with us

It is amazing what words pour out when we begin writing from a simple prompt.  Today I sat down with the following:

without saying a word . . . 

And what spilled out was memories of the final days spent with my grandfather.  When I first typed the prompt I did not expect what followed.  That is the beauty of writing.  We never know where it will lead us.  

Tears fell from my eyes as I wrote the above words.  I was transported back to those moments.  The smell of the hospital room.  The way my brother put his arm around me as we walked to the elevator.  Going out to lunch in Vermont with my grandmother after hearing news of my grandfathers passing.  It was in those moments that I was reminded of the bond that glues a family together.  There was so much love and tenderness. 

What spills out for you when you begin with the words: without saying a word . . .

I would love to hear.  Please share your words in the comments or you can send an email to  jbelthoff@gmail.com