In Loving Memory

Dear Friends,

I am grieving the recent passing of two beloved relatives in Ireland. My aunt Dell, one of my dad’s sisters, died after months in palliative care, with her loving children caring for her. Then, some days later, one of her daughters, my cousin Jackie, died suddenly from heart failure. It is a difficult time for our family, especially for my cousins and surviving aunt and uncles. I feel pain for the loss of these two strong, loving women, and I feel pain for what their family is going through.

Dell was a force of joy and determination. To me, she resembled a sunbeam come to life. There was an energy to her that radiated! She was so positive and so supportive. I will miss her cheerleading comments on my writing online. I will miss how she made us feel so at home on our visits. I will miss her light.

Jackie was also a force, resilient and proud of her life. She was deaf, and she and I had a special bond over our shared struggles with access to reliable communication. I loved our chats! She was funny and perceptive and strong. I wish we’d had more time together.

The reason for my recent visit to Ireland was to say goodbye to Dell. I never suspected it would be my last time seeing Jackie. I am so grateful to have had these last memories with both of them. I am so wishing I could cry, but my body won’t let me. I am so very sad for this loss. My heart is with my family in Ireland.

I wrote these poems about them. I wrote many, but these I feel more comfortable sharing. Please think of these two remarkable people, and share in this appreciation of them.

Your Friend,

Danny

LIFE OF THE PARTY

She was so bright
In every sense of the word
All so bright
All around her light
Sunbeams come down to earth
And what a force
And I falter to explain
The warmth of that sunshine
On my face my heart my being
How it illuminated
A sense of home for me
And how I will miss it.

YOU WERE AMONG FLOWERS

The last time I saw you
You were absolutely
Glowing
Beaming
With the sunlight that
Persevered against the thick clouds
The garden looked so much better
Thanks to your tending
Tender and so strong
Flowers still
Even in autumn so bright
And we all smiling
Together.