Life moved around us as if set on fast forward, while we both seemed frozen in place. I sat alone facing him trying to gather the thoughts, feelings and emotions rushing through me into what needed to be the perfect combination of words to speak to the most wonderful man I had ever met.

The room was now empty. Even though other people’s departure seemed sudden, I knew hours had past while we both sat starring at each other.  I remember, I couldn’t move any part of my body for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, I closed my eyes, tried to regulate my breathing with a long, deep inhale and dug down to muster every last ounce of courage and strength I had left within my now shaking body.

I knew I would never forget this kiss. I knew I had only one chance to make this kiss encompass an entire lifetime.  I stood up and walked over to him.

I whispered the words which had been cycling through my head all day and which, by no means, were the perfect combination to fully convey what I had been thinking and feeling for days – for years.

After saying my unbearable goodbye, I lent over my father’s lifeless body and kissed his forehead trying to remember his face I would never see again.