I am the son of parents who divorced when I was very young. My mom had custody and my dad had weekend visitation. Every Friday night, my dad would pick me up and then return me home on Saturday evenings. This was the routine for more than a decade. It was my normal.
On most Saturdays, my father and I would head to his parents home and spend the day. These visits came to be the thing I looked forward to most. My grandparents had a large property that was perfect for a boy who loved exploring worlds unknown among the back forest area. At other times, I found myself lost in the imaginative world of their giant attic. However, it was the unconditional love bestowed upon me by my Grandmother that had the biggest impact.
When “Mommom” died several years ago, it was devastating. Although she had been gradually declining for awhile, it was impossible to be fully prepared for the void that her death would create. So, when I was asked to “read a passage” at her funeral, that request did not feel significant enough to pay proper homage to this incredibly strong woman and the impact she had on me. So, I put pen to paper and wrote a poem about her and those special Saturdays.
For many of my family, July is a birthday month. As July came to a close, I found myself reflecting on those people who mean the most to me, including my grandmother. Part of that reflection was a rereading of this poem that I freely share with you now. Thank you for allowing me to share this moment of vulnerability with you.
Life’s lessons told.
Family stories shared.
Time spent together,
as dinner was prepared
Let’s walk through the garden.
Let’s stroll along the stream.
We’ll talk about the simple things,
together we can dream.
Look at the lilies in bloom.
See tomatoes on the vine.
No matter what your worries,
with her it all seemed fine.
Let’s gather around the table.
Let’s play a game or two.
The rules won’t matter,
as long as I’m with you.
We’ll share some memories
and we’ll laugh out loud.
Family’s important, she’d say,
and of mine, I am so proud.
Yes, Saturdays were special,
not only for this little boy,
but for her and I alike -
days filled with love and joy.
While Saturdays have changed,
the memories are so strong.
They helped shape who I’ve become,
giving strength that is life long.
After 100 years of touching lives,
her body set her free.
Her love, her warmth, her smile -
they’ll always be with me.
So, listen for the whippoorwill;
it sings its song for you
and when you hear its call,
know that she is with you too.
My next kids book will also be told in prose style. The book honors transracial, LGBTQ adoption and is based on mine and my husband’s experience in adopting our second daughter. For those who’ve already had an advanced read of it, they have shared how touching it is, with several indicating that the story brought a touching tear to their eye. The lyrical prose is reminiscent of Nancy Tillman’s, On the Night You Were Born, so expect this one to be a book that you read again and again.
The book will also have an Exclusive Limited Edition book cover only available through a Kickstarter campaign that will launch next month. Please click here to register to be notified as soon as the Kickstarter launches so you don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to get the Exclusive Limited Edition book cover.
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