With you always and forever.
I was with you from the first moment you came into this world.
Frightened I could hear your heartbeat frantically pumping.
I could feel your panic as you were searching for me.
But as soon as you allowed it,
We were bonded for life.
Very soon you got used to me,
Trusting through repetition I would always be by your side.
As a child,
It was challenging to keep up with you.
Your body and imagination were wild and I worked hard to keep us going.
Whether playing tag with your friends,
Holding me underwater,
Or chasing away monsters in your room.
Those activities slowed down with time and were replaced with moments of relief.
Your exam score results,
Asking out the most beautiful girl in the office,
Then her yes to marriage years later.
I was there with you through the challenges that surrounded you.
Over time,
Showing how we together could clear your mind from all the pressures,
Expectations,
And control from others to return you to your center.
I slept every night with you,
Even the sleepless ones,
When you felt the weight of the world's problems and knew you had to do more to change it.
We practiced together to keep calm when taking those bold steps towards the things that at first frightened you.
We found our flow and rhythm,
Even when talking to stages of thousands of people,
Because your message needed to be heard.
I helped you during those times of great pain,
Heartbreak,
And sorrow.
We sat quietly together through the tears of losing your job,
Close friends who had betrayed you,
And the death of your parents.
I did not waver,
And we moved in synchronicity through the sharp pains until there was no more.
And years later,
I was still with you for that final night,
Surrounded by those you loved,
Comfortable,
And at peace.
And as you drew the last of me in,
All of those memories flooded back.
You knew I had kept my promise to you through the joy,
Sorrow,
Love,
And fear.
You whispered,
Thank you.
And with that,
We exhaled together one last time.
But you did not feel sadness in that moment.
I,
Your breath,
Am a part of the breath of all living creatures,
Bounded by this simple truth.
When you believe in me,
Trust I'm always here to help you.
We can create a wonderful life together in this form or the next.