For You, Mom

Seventeen years ago today, we played our last game of Indian poker together.

You folded with an ace and your heart-warming smile.

I assumed our family had forever.

Who knew we had only a short while.

That fateful trip to pick out a Christmas tree, something we always did as a family.

I lost one of my greatest heroes, but was blessed with a guardian angel.

You’ve saved me countless times, from myself, from things I couldn’t see.

And when I hear those wind-chimes sing, I know you’re there, ever mindful.

My children know you as their Nana Angel, the one whose love keeps them from harm’s way.

Your passion for life twinkles in their warm brown eyes and resonates in their laughs of glee.

I look forward to imparting ‘cultural tidbits’ into their days.

And I only hope I can be even half the mother to them that you were to me.

Your life was a precious gift, how lucky I am to be loved by you.

Like the splash of fall leaves, you colored everyone around beautiful.

The time you gave to me, to others. Pieces of you,

Scattered amidst family, friends, even strangers. Memories so wonderful.

I miss you everyday Mom, and that will never change.

Tears still fall over your loss, there is still pain.

Dreams of you bring happiness, cherished times I love to replay.

And I get great peace knowing that one day, I WILL hug you again.

With love always,

Your loving daughter