She smiled, she was at peace, she was content as she turned to face the audience and bowed for the very last time. ‘Am I done now’ she whispered to herself as she bowed to the non existent crowd. Yes came the answer from deep within, ‘you are done’ you can rest now, close your eyes and be gone.

We thank you for your service and now years are upon you and nothing can be done so go there to the waiting room and await your turn. She turned away from the lonely stage and with her head held high she found a chair in the waiting room. Eyes closed, she listened to the softly spoken voice ‘how was the ride ?’ Without hesitation I replied, calmly, ‘It was a ride, it was up and then it was down’ I paused ‘There were some lovely bits but there were lots of sad bits, lonely bits, but I grew and I grew and then I tried to grow but I couldn’t grow anymore, I stopped growing and I felt that my soul was empty’ …. ‘So’ spoke the voice inquisitively ‘May I ask’ then came a pause ‘would you like to stay or would you like to go ?’ unfazed I replied ‘Do I have a choice ?’ ‘Of course’ came the reply we always have a choice, but before you reply, be mindful, I can only take your first answer, it cannot be changed but understand this, you are loved.