5 things to say from someone who's dying

things i've learned, memories.

because its been so long since i could pick a penny up from the road and think on a wish for the rest of the day  1) Please don't stop looking for coins on the sidewalk.

in case you're feeling doubtful

2) Always remember that you can catch a leprechaun with the right kind of chocolate coin.

i know because i almost caught one in a shoebox i'd decorated like a leprechaun bedroom,

    back when i was still losing teeth.

i never saw him but i only missed him because i blinked.

you want to smile? then

            3) stop thinking anything fixes hurt better than mom's kisses and a colored bandaid,

go to your little sister's dance recitals

and play hopscotch with the neighbor kids

4) Remember that its okay to

fall asleep on your brother's shoulder in the car

have to piggy-back on the steep part of the hill

pout and nod off at the dinner table

               then stay awake through story time and for dessert and until your hero-brother falls asleep too, leaned up against you and buried in stuffed animals and sleep that feels like your smiles.

5: Please, 

         love pretty rainbow-painted marker-stained hands.

                Colored-on hands are the sweetest to hold and are the softest when things feel rough.

memories are what we've learned But      

if you wait 'till you're dead it's too late,

so,

everett mills.