Love is:

Good Housekeeping Magazine has a writing contest asking for stories expressing what love is...Most people probably think of all those happy occasions of celebrations. Love is so much more than that. Right now my perception of love is clouded in grief; we lost our newest grandson recently. Grief leaves you speechless. I remember a weekly newspaper cartoon that showed a cute little big-eyed baby, with a caption stating what love is, ie:  LOVE IS WET PUPPY KISSES. So, this is my attempt at expressing what love is, in poetry form. (Perfect medium for expressing our grief since the use of a few words carries so much meaning.)

Love is:
the privelage
to carry the seed of life
for 38 weeks
imagining his face
feeling his movements
his hiccups
his kicks
hearing his heartbeat
seeing evidence of his growth
in the expansion of
your middle
Love is:
the excitement
of preparing his place
his crib
his blanket
his clothes
Love is:
the anticipation
of his arrival
his introduction
to his brothers
and sister
Love is:
bestowing him
with Papa's name
to carry his memory
Love is:
the pain
of laying to rest
that child
that arrived without breath
Love is:
the strength
to go on
to live past
the empty space
he would've filled
Love is:
the loving arms
and prayers
and thoughts
of friends
and loved ones
who hold you up

Namesake

My Mama has many namesakes; there are many family members carrying her name. She left at a very young age;  My sister was the first to be bestowed with it; Karen Rose. My own daughter bears it also; Carrie Rose.  She brought beauty into my life when I thought I was ugly.  She's blossomed into a beautiful wife and mother, blessing me with more sunshine. The tradition is still alive, as our granddaughter carries her name as well; Makenzie Rose-our littlest Rosie.  Our newest grandson will be arriving soon, and he will bless many lives. He will bear his father's name, as well as his dearly loved grandfather (who also left us too soon). Hurry up little one. We need more sunshine.