Honing the Craft

A Gift From Mama

A Gift From Mama

She didn't want to go
to Nonnie's house to recoup,
it was musty, old,
and Nonnie would fuss,
but she didn't want
to hurt her feelings either.

We laughed as we secretly
planned for me
to come down and care
for her in her home.
We had it all plotted out.
What she would say when released,
me arranging time off work.
We got silly scheming
our skulduggery, giggling away.

Then she reached over
and touched my arm
and said,
"loving is a requirement
of motherhood, but I want
you to know, I am also proud of you,
and I really like the woman
you've become."
Shortly after, it was time
for me to leave.

I never saw her again.
She died the next day
in the musty spare bedroom at Nonnie's.
She was released a day early,
they settled her into the creeky
old bed and an hour later
she took a deep breath and was gone.
                   ~~Judi Van Gorder


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