Tag: grief
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Her Last Day
I can tell right away that things have changed, Something is different about her, Hazel eyes locked on the ceiling, She doesn’t even sense me, Shallow comes her breathing, Her arms reach straight up, Her lips-a smile, Unknown words, Eyes close, Sleep. An Etheree poem, starting at 10 syllables and working down to 1 Photo:…
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My Birth Day
My birthday was last week, and over dinner a friend asked, “How was your first birthday without your mother?” So unexpected was the question; tears immediately filled my eyes. It was in that moment that I realized the source of my melancholy throughout the day. Could I celebrate a birthday if the woman who gave…
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So Much Clapping
It had been a long, hot summer with little to no rain. I watered my gardens daily and got a break from mowing since the grass barely grew. It was the middle of August and this particular day was a scorcher. Out running errands, I decided to stop and see my mom at her assisted…
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The Stockings Were Hung…
Stockings Made with love Upon each grandchild’s arrival Regardless of the month. She would run to the fabric store And comb through the patterns To find just the right scene for the new baby. Felt cut with accuracy And layered just so Then stitched with steady hands And held in place by the tiny sequins…
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The Cardinal
“Look at the cardinal!” my mother would exclaim, As she had a hundred times before, And always with the same awe and delight, Washing dishes at the kitchen picture window. Her favorite bird, she wore it on sweaters, scarves and pins, A warm pop of color on a cold winter day, A sign of joy…
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Waiting to Exhale
Holding my breath. That’s what it’s felt like these three long weeks since my mom passed. We’d waited to hold the memorial service to coincide with her family’s scheduled visit. It made perfect sense. It would give us plenty of time to prepare. It was a sound choice. Did I recognize I was holding my…
The Journey Inward 