Mom – On The Day You Should Be 80

You had no idea back then

how much love 

and joy 

you would bring to the lives of people around you. 

You were busy

being the older sister, 

doing what was expected. 

But, thank you. 

For your sense of the ridiculous. 

Thank you for 

holding my hand on life’s adventures, 

for wearing the dandelions I picked for you in your hair 

like they were roses. 

Thank you for the times you came home 

to eat lunch with me

when I was sick at home from school 

and 

planning the best birthday parties. 

For taking us “home” to see your family – 

our family,

and always doing the voices when you read to us. 

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. 

Thank you for

being my biggest fan, 

my ride or die, 

the person who always stopped to admire the forsythias. 

You loved my family 

and 

never forgot to focus on the best parts. 

Thank you for 

being Nana 

to

each 

of

my children, 

and for 

our last trip to see the lighthouse exhibit at the museum. 

Just

Like

The

Hook.

You will 

forever be 

my light 

in the dark.