My dear grandchild, Silas MacKenzie Mathews,   You would be a man by now. So many years have passed.   How we wanted you to stay, but your fragile body wouldn’t let you.   Did you hear what your daddy said that day, your last…

P, you taught me to be careful of saying “I love you”, I’ve changed a lot since we last met, my friends say that is true. You’d like them and their kindness, the dinners that we share. It’s nice to know that always there is…

These are the black shells that washed up from the ocean as you were leaving. See? I have them here on this little shelf turned altar. Here is your photo with Becky and the dogs. Here is the angel you drew when you learned of…

Sweet Sarge, I felt your pain, and I wish I’d loved you better then. My dark and twisted friend, I miss your wicked sense of humour. I miss the little boy who played peek-a-boo from behind the steel walls and barbed-wire fences. I wish I’d…

Dad would’ve liked Texas. He would’ve liked the sage growing wild in the yard. He would’ve liked the rolls of the Hill Country and the mariachi in the city. Dad would’ve liked the house. He would’ve liked the arched doorways and the Saltillo tile floor….

Hot sun Gentle breeze sweet smell of summer. Loud buzz Sharp sting Biting bugs of summer Generous smiles Open laughter Hot boys of summer  

Dear little brother- Has your mind found quiet there beyond? Has your broken body released? Has your sideways smile come and gone? Has the anger ceased? We look to the water and mountains and sky. We drink Diet Coke, eat hot dogs and club sandwiches…

Dearest M, Where has the time gone since your passing? Years pass yet- I’m barely aware when they take flight! I’ve aged- into Happiness and Adventure! You’d be happy with my choices! I remember- your delicate hands and roaring laughter! Oh, how your laughter could…

I snuck a peek at an old photo of you who you were— are you still that youthful, rippling laughter sparkly gaze caressing my face, stroke of softness under yearning fingertips? I bought you that sweater felt alive with you your easy skater style and…

 “I Am Who I Am” I am me! Dressed  in my down footed shoes, And my beautiful hijab. I am me! Dressed with no makeup, Natural with no bleaching. I am me! Having no bleaching cream, Neither do I have any other cosmetics. But I…