Remembering the Breathing Lady

Maisha Oni Muhammad-Brinkley

In Dallas, Texas, worked her magic

As a respiratory therapist

Until, sadly, her life turned tragic.

 

Also known as the Breathing Lady,

Maisha became her patients' friend.

Her sweet smile and compassionate heart

Accompanied her until the end.

 

Last September, Maisha grew sick,

Having contracted COVID-19

Just a few months before

She'd have access to a vaccine.

 

The forty-three-year-old mother of four

Needed to be hospitalized

And placed on a ventilator.

The seriousness couldn't be minimized.

 

Commitment to excellence had always been

Her motivation. Now she depended

On help from others to fight the virus,

Since her life had been upended.

 

November 18 arrived--the day

The loving wife and mother died.

Her husband of twenty-four years was able

To be there sitting by her side.

 

So when you're feeling tired of the virus

And let down your guard, you will find

That YOUR life AND the lives of OTHERS

Could be at risk. Bear that in mind.

 

-by Bob B (1-29-21)