grief

you visited me in my dreams last night

what a joy it was to see you

it's been 10 years without you

and you rarely stop by

but when you do, time slows down and

the air gets a little bit lighter

the world a little bit brighter

and you look younger.

you show me around the lake

and talk about the ducks

we make our way to a restaurant

where we pushed our luck

you sneakily got us seated

right before they closed

you wanted to make sure I ate

and was cared for, all along

your humorous smirk made me laugh

as your personality always did

I realized not only were you goofy

but you fought for what you wanted

and you found a way to win.

So here is me asking

that you stay a little longer

Feel free to stop on by and say hello

I don't mind

I'm missing you greatly

I am sad you don't get to meet the one I love

To see me married one day

To enjoy the current movies and talk political delays

I wish I could ask you more questions

Now that I am 26

Like how it felt to watch the Wizard of Oz for the first time

and more about when you were a kid.

Do you know that I think of you in many ways?

With Pecan Pie and Snickers

Books in libraries and leadership

and old-time movie features.

It's hard to accept that there can be no more questions.

No more answers.

But I am thankful that I believe in signs of your presence.

That you aren't really gone even if I cannot see you.

I like to believe that you can see me and hear me.

I see you in dragonflies,

I see you in numbers.

I see you in birds that linger.

So please, visit anytime. I really don't mind.

I love you.