Memoir 15

capturedbymekel
3 days ago
5 min read

Hints of raspberry linger on my tongue and outside the window the chimes sing their sweet and bold melody. Jay’s at the kitchen sink and I hopped into bed so that I can catch him before he begins to rest without me. It’s a slow start day. Jay has to work later so I’m going to enjoy the last few hours with him

I’ve never seen the Redwoods

or a great waterfall

that left me in wonder-

a rushing flood of white.

I’ve seen the unexplained,

strange moments that resist words,

of something vast

just beyond understanding.

But you-

you undo all of that.

Because no towering tree,

no hidden mystery,

no distant horizon

has ever held me still

the way you do.

This mother’s day I got to celebrate with the son who

made me a mom, my parents and sister that help make that possible and it’s

important that my son still wants me in his life after mistakes I made.

My mom was happy and looked beautiful. My grandma was grateful for the

photos we got her, put her necklace on.

My mom shared my poem with my sister. I’m grateful to have her as my mom and that

she let me be an older sister. I’m grateful that Violet also made this possible and gave

me siblings across the U.S. too. This year I’m especially grateful that my boyfriend Jay who accepts and loves my family and that my family knows he’s right for me shared these moments with us and he gave me a camera to save some memories.

Grandma,it’s Mother’s Dayand I’ve been thinking of you all morning.In a week or twoI’ll finally get to see you again,and until thenI wanted to make this poetry about you—to let the rhythm carrythe gratitude resonating in my heart.

I’m grateful my parents adopted me,and that you and Grandpawelcomed me into the family so completely,as if my place beside youhad always been waiting.

You celebrated our birthdays,our adoption days,bringing Shelby and me little charmsthat made us feel chosenover and over again.

I remember the mindful afternoons—tiny teacups of coffee,quiet conversations,the comfort of simply being near you.

I remember visiting you at workfor Grandparents Day,feeling proud that you were mine.

You brightened my lifewith your laughter and warm smile.When I was sick,you’d pull out the medical encyclopedia,reassuring me I would heal,making fear feel smaller.

You brought me a teddy bear and bunnyon one of those hard days,and somehow your kindnessmade the whole room softer.

When school became overwhelmingand I struggled to believe in myself,you encouraged me to keep going,to work hard,to graduate.If not for you,I would not have walked with my class.

You took me in during difficult seasons,encouraged me through college,and showed me what bravery looked like—a woman who survived hardships in childhoodyet still chose kindness,still chose love,still chose family.

You helped me rebuild relationshipswith Mom, Dad, my sister, and my son.You helped restore connectionwhere life had worn it thin.

And with my son,you have always been magic.From the days he giggled in your arms as a babyto the afternoons spent playing checkersat your dining room table,you’ve helped him grow confident, joyful, and loved.

You created warmth out of ordinary moments—Thanksgiving dinners,Christmas gatherings,the family coming together around your tablelike it was the safest place in the world.

Now when you’re in St. Georgeand I’m in Tooele,you are the person I miss most.

And today, especially,I just want you to know this:so much of the love in my lifehas roots that lead back to you.