To My Mother

The most memorable day of my life—the best day if it hadn’t already been the worst day—was spent visiting my mother in the hospital, along with my eight brothers and sisters. None of us had been together under the same roof in years. The look on my mother’s face (she was unable to speak) as she eloquently and silently expressed her love for all her children is a treasure passed on to me that I don’t even know how to value.

Helen Elizabeth Hodgkins 1916 - 1992

Mom, one day we'll have another reunion
Some place outside my heart,
Where you and I, and Dad,
My brothers and my sisters,
Will no longer be apart.

We will feast on lifelong memories,
The table full-prepared,
With all we have to offer
Of the work of our hearts,
And life that we have shared.

We will drink the cup of each other,
Not filled with pain and sorrow,
But brim-full with brightness,
The shine of life lived,
In the glory of Heaven's tomorrow.

Mom, I mourn the days without you,
But I hold you close and dear,
I've known your love,
Your hand, your heart,
and knowing, know you are near.