Little Boxes

 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:  

My height was no match for the boys.  

I would taunt them to chase me.  

I was short and cleared the table.. .

they were tall.  

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.  

I had given them wings. 

I am learning to fly again, too.

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 biking the KATY trail together.

The other half of our life 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 haven’t labeled this one . . . . .yet