Mommy Please Dont cry

It pains me so much to see my mother cry.
That pitiful face she gets when she hears a heartbreaking story, holds a photo of her mother, hears a song that reminds her of her father.

Today I saw that look.
I hate that look.
Because every time I see it, there's nothing I can do.

She came down to me today and told me Josephine is sick.
Josephine is my mommy's rat.
It keeps her company at night when my father wont.
She takes care of it when she cant do so for me.
She tells me her mousie is sick and looks at me with those puppy dog eyes.
I look down to Josephine and pick her up then lay her on the bed and press aginst her with my fingertips.

She moves with my hand, no resistance at all.
I try again and a slight resistance.
You know their going when they have no will to stand.
The sad look they get, the crust around their eyes.
Josephine looks like that right now....
And mom looks about the same....
She is getting worse.
I know she is.
Dad is worried about loosing her.
And I know if he does, he will be quick to follow.

Its a difficult thing to swallow.

She held Josephine close and looked at me.

"no..no Dana, I don't want to loose her... She cant die, please Josephine just stay with me a little longer."

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Mom there's nothing you can do about it, Its a wonder she lasted this long."

"Shes to little to die, shes to young to leave me."

I don't know how to respond.

"Just, keep her company, okay? Just...Hold her till its over."

Mom nodded and walked slowly up the stairs with tears down her pale cheeks.

I'm sorry mom.

I wish there was more I could do.