Aunt Sarah

I can't believe it has been 8 years since you passed away. It feels like yesterday that I was talking to you in your living room. Me in the recliner, you on the couch. Just talking and listening. Giving me advice but mostly just listening to me. Do you remember?

You were a gift from God to so many people, I guess you must know that now. I am just so thankful that I was one of them. You changed my life. I still miss you so much that I can't stand it but I feel better when I pray to you. I know you are listenting. I can still hear your voice, your laugh, and that family sense of humor. Uncle Brent could get you going for sure. I appreciate your love for your children so much more now that I have my own.

Did you know that I wrote a poem for you the day after you died? Seemed to help ease the pain. Could you ask God why you had to be so damn special anyhow? If you weren't I wouldn't miss you so terribly. Thankful and glad though. And mostly it is so comforting that I will see you again someday and that you can breathe.


Aunt Sarah

You were given three miracles
He cooks, he cleans, he takes care of you
Then the second, you saw her to college
she was all that you asked for
and more
Then the third, you became his number one fan
he was all that you asked for
and more
cough

Are those your chicken legs?
They look good on you
As you sit devoured by pillows
You listen and you listen well
You offer Diet Pepsi and pretzels
It is not you who gets up
It is your first miracle
Your flannel pjs make you look comfy
Looks can be deceiving
cough cough

Do you still like turtles?
Cough

It is a sunny day
And you are hidden among the pines
The ocean looks good
but the pool looks better
you scoot on over
it’s blue, it has a horn, and it takes you where you want to go
You hurt but you swim
cough cough cough

Is that a salt shaker in your purse?
Cough

You ride in a big SUV
They say they can take you anywhere
But we take pictures
we wave
from the places you will never go
cough cough

Flowers to room 369 please
It is your room
It is your wing
They love you there
We love you here
Among the children
You are cared for
cough

The holidays make you tired
You got tired before the holidays
But you came home to see the tree
It was your last
You are everyone’s favorite
but we let go
only because we know
as an angel you breathe
breathe
breathe
without pain
You cough no more

By: Amy Cathrine Clark
Date: January 10, 2001


Sarah Jane Sites

March 28, 1951 - January 9, 2001