Wings Designed to Fly

Seventeen years have passed by,

she lifted her wings designed to fly.

 

A young girl, on her heels and by her side,

curiosity of this elementary-aged child:

 

“Mom, what are you’re doing?”

“Oh honey, I’m just putting on lipstick.”

“Can I have some too? I want to be like you.”

“Perhaps when you’re older dear.”

 

Those five words, I heard so many times.

The desire to grow up, always on my mind.

 

During thunderstorms, she would lay at my feet

making sure I was comforted as I fell asleep.

 

Firefly was her handle,

driving fast and fearless in that 80s model.

A Pontiac Grand LeMans to be exact,

with three young children in the back.

That California trip, my fondest memory:

Christmas of 1993 delivered endless glee.

 

We had our ears pierced together when I was eight years old.

A fun secret shared between us; one of only a few told.

 

If only she was around as that little girl grew up.

Her life made short after the discovery of a small lump.

 

Doctors and nurses were many,

I was too young to comprehend the activity.

 

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired”, she would say.

I remember those words clearly, like it was yesterday.

 

My father and aunt were close to comfort me,

this young girl, wanting her mother to be pain-free.

 

Not knowing what the next few years would hold,

friends and close family quickly filled our world.

 

A strong desire to help people in need

remained in my heart and helped me succeed.

 

Her faith, her love, her voice, her beauty:

She drew in many with her lovely personality.

 

Joyful energy gleamed from her soul everyday.

Always making time, she’d teach me how to pray.

 

Remembering the sound of her angelic voice,

“I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

 

Those eight words I’ve held most dear,

they have quieted many of my fears.

 

The Snapdragon, her flower of choice,

colorful and bright, surrounded her resting place.

 

A room full of people, most of them I didn’t know.

They all yearned to hug me; truly I wanted to lay low.

 

Sometimes in a dream, I see her beautiful face

filling my heart with joy until our next embrace.

 

Memories and photos that are left,

shall be treasured until I take my last breath.

 

Seventeen years have passed by,

she lifted her wings designed to fly.

 

 

Susan Elizabeth  Jul. 28, 1960 – Dec. 4, 1999

A life remembered and celebrated. A mother like no other, you are missed beyond words.