By: Ava Ditto

 

Max by Bryan zepeda

 

1.

 

If he is a quick learner

Take advantage of that skill

He won’t mind a lick

 

2.

 

If he is a gradual learner

Love him all the same

 

3.

 

If he needs new toys

Pick up a few from the 

Store on your way home

Even if you know he 

Probably won’t play with

Them for long

 

4.

 

If his nails are too long

Cut them

 

5.

 

If he is dirty

And he probably is

Give him a bath or three

Not too many baths though 

He might have sensitive skin

 

6.

 

If he gets mad

Give him time, love, and space

 

7.

 

If he is being loud

Try not to become frustrated

 

8.

 

Make sure to brush his hair often

Or it will look a mess

Speaking of hair

Give him a haircut 

From time to time

 

9.

 

Make sure his teeth stay clean 

To avoid cavities 

And gum disease 

And other things

 

10.

 

Make sure he is happy and well fed

It’s easy to tell when he isn’t

 

11.

 

Make sure you care for him 

Give him all the attention he desires

 

12.

 

Make sure he is comfortable in his bed at night

Sometimes he will want to come sleep

In your bed and that’s okay

Let him

 

13.

 

Sometimes he will get sick

 

If he gets sick, care for him

 

If he gets sick, get him some junk food

 

If he gets sick, stay by his side

Every step of the way

 

If he gets sick, don’t cry in front of him

He won’t like it

 

If he gets sick, tell him you love him

Because he is so scared

 

Make sure he eats

 

Make sure he has hope

 

Make sure he smiles and laughs  

 

Hold his hand…

 

There might come a time when he asks

If he is going to go home anytime soon

When will he get to see the family dog again 

 

If he can eat something other than hospital food

If he is going to make it to his next birthday

If he asks “am I going to die? 

 

Lie to him.

 

You tell him it will all be okay

You tell him Santa has already got his Christmas present 

You tell him that he will feel the sun on his skin again

You tell him that he will get to go home soon

If you don’t you’ll regret it

 

Make sure to play his favorite songs 

Make sure to thank everyone for their condolences 

Make sure to put his toys in the casket

Make sure to bury him slowly 

If you don’t you’ll regret it

 

14.

 

Bury him under a tree

It’s nice to have shade with waterworks

 

15.

 

Make sure to visit every year

Every month, every waking hour of the day 

Don’t leave me

 

16.

 

Try not to feel guilty

He wouldn’t want that

He wouldn’t have wanted that

 

17.

 

Get him a birthday gift

Don’t forget the card

 

18.

 

And when he turns 18

Be proud 

Be so proud of him

 

Because you did everything you could.