Rick and I recently went on a trip to visit my family in Ohio and also to Michigan to see my Aunt Barb and her partner, Leon. Since we moved to North Carolina over 7 years ago, I have really missed going up to see her, as it was a much quicker and easier trip from Ohio.
Back when Sarah was still alive, she would go with me to visit our Aunt and we would always go over to Saugatuck, Michigan, to see a lot of art galleries and all the shops. We would spend the day strolling and looking, drinking coffee or wine and seeing a lot of art as we went. It is tender to remember those wonderful trips and excursions together.
This trip, Rick decided to spend the day with Leon, and they were going to the Air Zoo to see a museum of planes and wonderful aircraft. It ended up that just the 2 of us got to go and spend the day in Saugatuck and then also to Douglas-a near town by Saugatuck with art galleries too.
What a day-so much fun to be together again and stroll, see and play. I even was shocked to run into my cousin, Denise Ann-who was visiting there with her husband Mike--what a surprise and joy!
After we played that day, we came back to Aunt Barb's home, she brought out family papers and old photos. She then brought out a packet of poems she had written and displayed at Sarah's Memorial at Ursuline College in 2007, where Sarah was studying for her Master's in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling.
Ursuline held this wonderful event to honor Sarah and her passing. I do not remember seeing these poems that day-it was a beautiful day with many people celebrating her life. I just didn't have the time to look and see all that was displayed at the event-some people painted pictures and we also have some of Sarah's art displayed. I hadn't seen them since that day either. So she brought them out and shared them with me this evening. These poems were just tender and beautiful. A treasure as I read each one. I want to share them here-incase you never saw or read them.
This is a wonderful gift given and a treasure of Sarah's life and impact on her and others. I can't even begin to say what my aunt did to support and help me through those beginning days, weeks and years of losing my daughter. To read them now, touches me so deeply and I thank you Aunt Barb. More than any words can say.
Life has joy mixed in with sorrow. It's hard to see anything when your eyes are full of tears and your heart aches. It has been almost 18 years since dear Sarah left for her heavenly home. Not a day goes by when I don't think of her-sense her presence, feel her absence.
These poems and words leave me without many words as I read and treasure them. I am so thankful for this gift. I love you Aunt Barb. What a gift you are to me.
