I was anxious about the day-our first Thanksgiving without Dad. It was a lovely day. I enjoyed catching up with my extended family. Laughing with my husband and grown children. Snuggling with my sweet granddaughter.
Thinking about how to handle my emotions before the day arrived proved helpful. Though I missed Dad, I did not want it to be a sad day.
There was a moment when tears began to swell. I took a deep breath and snuggled sweet Emi a little closer. Then watched the day unfold-thankful.
Currently
The tiniest
Of us all
Not helpless
Yet, in need of
Assistance
Not a bother
On the contrary—
Your arrival
Single-handedly
Drew joy from
Deep within
Even those of us
Learning to live
With grief-
We knew
You were on your way
Still, your arrival
Caught us by
Surprise
Or maybe
The surprise
Was the love
Suddenly spilling out
When you opened
Your newborn eyes
I was afraid
I might not
Get to see you
This year
And I so enjoy
Our visits
Brief as they are-
There is always
A question mark
Especially when
The weather has not
Been cooperative, but
There must have been
Just enough sunshine
These past few days
To spur you on
Because when I
Rounded the corner
Yesterday
There you stood
Waving
Surprise! Here I am!
Smiling, I replied
It’s so good to see you!
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
When Red Clay
Soaks its dye
Into the roots
Of a Great Oak
Transforming its crown
From green to
A vibrant shade
Of burnt orange
Right before
Leaf by leaf
The crown falls
To the ground
Afraid, yet willing
Sad, yet grateful
For purpose fulfilled-
Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-
Driving across Oklahoma, the red clay dirt catches my attention. During Fall, it creates a beautiful foundation for the changing colors.
The changing seasons remind me of personal changes. New job, sweet granddaughter, the loss of my Dad. What changes have impacted your life this year?
Once we became
Acquainted
Hiding was futile
I could either attempt
To ignore you or
Make the best of it
And accept you
For who you are-
The initial shock
Of your rough exterior
Made me want
To runaway
Thankfully, I stayed
Not to say
We are friends
That would be a stretch
But the possibility exists
I sensed it while
Hugging you tight enough
To see into the
Center of your soul
Where sweet memories
Are kept, treasured
So as never
To be forgotten
Grief is not something to get over. Once we know it, it becomes part of us. However, our capacity to live with it grows over time. At least, that’s what I’m choosing to believe. Especially as we prepare to celebrate the approaching holidays. ❤️
Kind words
I didn’t know
I needed to hear
You look so pretty
So grounded
From someone
Who has not seen me
In almost a year-
Heartfelt words
Offering
Reassurance
That time
Paired with
Effort and grace
Carries restoration
Twice this week, I ran into friends who are former colleagues. Smiles, hugs, and kind words filled the space we occupied. The visits were brief but left me feeling encouraged.
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Playing hide-n-seek
Among the trees
Leaves of Paintbrush Red
And Sunflower Yellow
Wave at purple grasses
Standing strong
In the red clay dirt-
Steady evergreens
Hold tight to
Their needles, while
At the same time
Coaxing those
Approaching
A season of
Visible change
To boldly share
Their transformation-
Oh, they, too
Know change
Roots grown deeper
Branches broken
And re-grown
Changes that
Bring wisdom
Wisdom that
Inspires gratitude
For each new season
When the view ahead
Seems gloomy
Look closer!
Light lives just
On the other side
Hints shine through
As silky strands
Of pale pink
Do you see them?
Playfully hiding
Among the grays
And the whites
Like a child
Secretly wishing
To be found
Sending subtle hints
Hushed giggles
And sneak peeks
Anxiously waiting
To say the words-
Here I am!
You found me!
Internal eye rolls
Awkward silences
Short-lived
Moments
Remaining
In Memories
Holding
Potential
For regrets
That is, until…
I find myself
On the other side
And any possible
Regret instantly
Transforms into
Appreciation
Understanding-
Now, the parent
Then, the child
Now, the one
Wide Awake
Late at night
Praying
As each name
Each face
Each concern
Crosses my heart
The one hoping
To offer reassurance
One may
Cause me
To cry
Another
To laugh
Maybe both
At the same time
But I cannot
Travel
Back in time or
Remain endlessly
Engrossed
In a single
Snapshot
Even when it
Has the power
To wrap me up
In a cocoon
Turning my heart
Inside out
As it mixes
The broken
With the upheld
Before releasing
Piano Girl 