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Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA

0 posted 2011-05-02 04:10 PM


A Mother Remembers
~In memory of my daughter, Sheril Lynn,
who succumbed to Multiple Sclerosis in 1998

I remember watching her
each morning in dawn’s first light
a tiny tot so fair and pure
rushing  to gobble down mouthfuls
in trusting childhood enthusiasm
milk dribbling down her dimpled chin
pausing only long enough
to say with a still sleepy smile,
“morning mommy,” and I’d wonder
where does she go, what does she see
after her prayers and slumber’s call
when her blue eyes close each night.

Then she got older, rose later
grumbled over having to eat breakfast
fearing her svelte waistline would disappear
with even one bite, but fruit or yogurt I could
get her to nibble with her lady like grace
and after each bite she’d dab her chin
her delicate makeup applied with such care
must not be smudged, nary a hair out of place
much time was spent in trying to perfect
the already perfection she was
and I’d wonder still...
where does she go, what does she see
when her blue eyes close at night.

At the entering point of the best of her life
a terminal prognosis came knocking at the door
frail and weak she became but inspiring
as she faced her fate as she did her life
head on, strong, willful, and courageous
slowly but surely the illness progressed
and my heart broke more each day
then, all too soon yet not soon enough,
she looked at me like the helpless child she once was,
and I, as I held her close, to face her final sleeping,
through His grace knew...
where she went, what she saw
in that final moment
when her blue eyes closed
for the very last time.



© Copyright 2011 Marcia Miller-Twiford - All Rights Reserved
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
1 posted 2011-05-02 04:23 PM


Goosebumps, dear Marcia, I wonder where you found the strength to cope with this tremendous loss.

You have put so much heart and delicacy into this extremely poignant poem, that you took my breath away.

Love and hugs.
Margherita

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
2 posted 2011-05-02 04:49 PM


Time teaches you to accept what is. I'm grateful that she died in my arms. She looked at me and with her last bit of strength smiled as if to tell me it was okay and she was ready to go and she then did. Now don't go crying again. I've done enough of that for both of us. Life goes on as it must. "Thy Will Be Done".


JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
3 posted 2011-05-02 05:03 PM


This is such a tender, soulful and tragic piece of writing, Word Weaver. You gave me a complete picture of your daughter, so much so that it was actually difficult to keep reading, during those last hurtful lines.

Saved this to the library.

~ He is dead and I am proud of that fact. ~

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
4 posted 2011-05-02 05:50 PM


She was very special Jerry. To know her was to adore her. I think God missed her and wanted her home.


jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
5 posted 2011-05-02 11:34 PM


I didn't know her, but bet I would have loved her too, even as I love this memory you penned.

My heart...

j.

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
6 posted 2011-05-03 03:12 PM


Dear Marcia - You have given your daughter life in our hearts with this most touching write.  I am so sorry for your loss and I know how hard it must have been getting to the stage of being able to write of her as you have done here. My very best to you.
Love
Helen

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
7 posted 2011-05-03 03:52 PM


Actually, it took me years and this is the only one I could pen about her. I saw a painting my Tom Serek of a blonde toddler holding a bunch of daises and it inspired me. The pain subsides but the bruises never go away. Thank you for your lovely comment.  


OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
8 posted 2011-05-03 05:16 PM


Hugs, Marcia.  I am very glad, for Sheril Lynn's sake that she had/has you for a mother.  I believe that she is you Guardian Angel and is watching over you, and is very proud of how strong and beautiful your soul is, and how all your hardships, not just the loss of her, have made you grow and shine even more, like the star you are.  More hugs.

Owl

dreamgal
Member
since 2011-03-17
Posts 442

9 posted 2011-05-03 08:35 PM


This was truly a beautiful tribute to your daughter, soft & angelic in its form. She was blessed i can see to have you for a mother and in turn you were blessed. There is nothing more beautiful then the love between a mother and child. God bless her and bless you Marcia. Very lovely.

Dreamgal

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
10 posted 2011-05-03 08:45 PM


Thank you very much for your kind words. She was so special. Now she's a special angel.


dreamgal
Member
since 2011-03-17
Posts 442

11 posted 2011-05-03 08:53 PM


Your welcome and she is your angel im sure of it. And probably very happy for your tribute to her!

Dreamgal

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
12 posted 2011-05-05 01:10 AM


Thank you for sharing your special angel with us.  Your poetry is beauty as is your daughter.  I know she will be sending hugs and kisses on Mother's Day (as she probably does on all days).

Thinking of you.
Alison

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
13 posted 2011-05-11 01:02 AM


Oh, Marcia, I read this through tears. The way you describe your daughter she seems so much like  my own gaughter who passed away in May of 2000 (a couple of days after Mother's Day) from cancer. She was 34 years old and left behind a ten year old daughter.
You are so right, a mother remembers...forever.

                                Ida

Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
14 posted 2011-05-11 01:18 AM


I'm so sorry about your daughter. Mine left me a grandson who is so much like his mother sometimes I think it is her. We hurt but somehow we go on and the memories sustain us.

God Bless You


JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
15 posted 2011-05-14 11:01 PM


Precious...James
Word Weaver
Member
since 2011-03-06
Posts 437
California, USA
16 posted 2011-05-15 10:36 AM


Thank you James and please accept my appreciation.
Peace,
Marcia


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