Aunt Donna

We buried Aunt Donna's remains yesterday. It never really sinks in for me until the funeral. Mommy made the event very peaceful and bearable. I wrote/read the poem below, thinking about how much of one's life remains after passing on. We use the term "was" frequently to describe someone who has passed on, but much of what they were still is and so, here is "I am".

I was a mother, a daughter, a wife,
I was a sister, a friend all my life.
I used to laugh, to scream, to cry
I used to live like I never would die.
I was a rock, as solid as stone,
I was a tree, standing alone,
I was a ship, tossed about in a storm,
I was a fire, glowing and warm.
I have been given unqualified love,
I have seen sorrow, like rain from above.
I have known pain, like the twist of a knife,
I have known joy, for I have lived life.
I am a whisper, a song on a breeze,
I am a prayer, a plea on your knees,
I am a wish, like a star in the night,
I am a dream, like a soft ray of light.
I am your mother, your daughter, your wife,
I am your sister, your friend, all your life.
I am the sparkle in your new babies’ eyes,
I am the light in a brand new sunrise.
When you remember me, throughout the years,
I hope that your memories bring smiles, not tears.
For I’ll never leave you, I’ll never depart.
As long as you keep me with love in your heart.

I know we didn't see you often, Aunt Donna, but I loved you just the same and wish I had spent more time with you. Rest in Peace.