I knew her when…

I knew her when

she ‘was’ the rising sun
waking early.
The whisper of the
morning, her companion,
paused with her
in prayer.

I knew her when…
she’d begin to plan
the ‘communion’ she
would feed her family.
It mattered NOT the
occasion—
it MATTERED her family
fed.

I knew her when…
she’d sing in church
like a bird on a steeple—
she’d sing SIMPLY
because the music
was in her soul.

I knew her when…
her BELOVED’S life
no  more…
a little piece of her
went with him.
She ‘clung’ to the
unknown
and sat quietly
REMEMBERING.

I knew her when…
she’d wait eagerly
for her family and friends
to call, to visit—
She enjoyed the gift of
PRESENCE‘ and she
knew how to be this
for others.

I knew her when…
her candle NOW beginning
to wane…
SHE, fiercely independent—
NOW, almost dependent
on everything…

she eats a pureed meal—
easier to digest…
she’d skip it completely
but NEVER leave the dessert.

she asks for HELP—
STILL wanting
to be involved
knowing her memory fading.

she loves the old stories—
she RISES with glee.
The past—a treasure.
She sees her life as a
blessing.

I knew her when…
the setting of her sun
now descends at a more
rapid pace—

I don’t know when
that day shall be—
yet, when the sun does
SHINE…
at least in the world I’m in—

in my heart
she’ll ALWAYS be.

 

9 replies
  1. Ann
    Ann says:

    How beautiful, Sandy, and the sentiments expressed are so loving. Alberta’s mom, yes? Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Marie
    Lisa Marie says:

    What an Amazingly Grace filled tribute to an incredible woman, and the picture is icing on the cake. Thank you for sharing! You made my day.

    Reply
  3. Kathy
    Kathy says:

    Thank you for this poem, which expresses so well what you feel about Helen, and at the same time expresses so well what I, and other daughters and sons, feel about our aging blessed mothers.

    Reply

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