Ma,

I am reflecting on thoughts of you, tender memories, moments

conversations, laughs we shared.

The times we spent together like treasures I keep close to me.

Even the smallest of things meant so much,

Your wisdom like carefully wrapped gifts presented to us

so casually, but with all the power of a rain storm on our lives.

Like gathering berries in the wild or flowers in the field

You gathered people’s hearts

You gathered friends and kept them close to you.

Like butterflies we ascended to greater heights because of you

You gave us freedom to be ourselves

always accepting, always loving

You gave us a place to call our home away from home

always inviting, always warm and welcoming.

There are some people in this life Ma,

 that touch us in ways that reach our very soul

That touch lingers and remains with us

So that even time and distance cannot separate.

This kind of love is a bridge

that allows us to reach that person no matter where they are.

You are in our thoughts, our prayers, our dreams.

You are a part of us forever.

Though you have moved on ahead

We know you are still gathering hearts and flowers

and we will see you when we get there.

Love always

For Marge  5/3/2010