Boxes tied with ribbons

 Little Boxes tied with ribbons 

Filled with memories and love 

Stacked in the back of my closet

.

One box has cousin memories 

Filled with laughter and tears of frustration:  

I couldn't keep up with the boys athletically 

As much as I tried.  

Haha! I would taunt them to chase me.  

I was short and cleared the table.. .

they were tall and hit their heads.

I outsmarted them—-haha!  

I label this box “Satisfied with Revenge”

Another box has daughter memories 

Filled with laughter and anxiety: 

It was difficult watching them grow up----

Independent women who no longer needed me.  

But that's the point. . . .

I had given them wings. 

I label  this box “Satisfied and Content”

Here’s a large box with Dave's memories

Filled with laughter. . . and concern:  

Half our married life was so good 

I never appreciated what we had.

So much joy and peace travelling the KATY trail and Scotland together.

The other half of our marriage was daily concerns for his health—

I did the best I could, sparing no cost financially or emotionally. 

I labeled this one “Satisfied and Managed”

I found a dusty small box with a frayed ribbon: Germany memories.

 I wouldn’t open it, couldn’t open it,  but kept sliding it to the back of the closet . 

One day the ribbon tore and it opened without my help. 

I had packed away my feelings with the letters and photos.  

They all escaped when I least expected. .. .with the death of my dear husband. 

I discovered the raw emotions packed away when he said good-bye

I never responded... . .

I haven’t labeled this one . . . . .yet