Memories of You

Life as a grad students isn't always about studying. Family is something very important to me and I think probably to most, if not all, of our grad students here. Last week I mentioned that one of my class assignments was to create a poem after constructing a mind map. Later in the evening after the project was assigned, I received a phone call saying that my grandmother may not live too much longer. In an effort to corral my thoughts and feelings, I decided to use my grandmother as the subject of my poem. It's great when a project is assigned that allows you to pour out your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I have copied the poem below. The name Grandmother doesn't exist in the poem since it was my main topic, but you can definitely picture her. Kind of interesting how you can take a brainstorming business feature like a mind map and create a wonderful piece of work for someone who means a lot to you.

Memories of You

Christmas turkey and tantalizing sugar glazed cookies;
Unending mashed potatoes and overflowing gravy;
Italian lasagna made from scratch and perfectly crunchy garlic bread;
The smell of early morning sizzling bacon and scrambled eggs cooked just so –
These are memories I have of you.

A slight hobble from the kitchen to the recliner;
Twinkling blue eyes glistening with mischief;
A big toothy grin and happy chuckle;
Bobby pins in your hair each night, tightly wound curls each day;
Homespun dresses in floral and polka dot print –
These are memories I have of you.

Happy Birthday renditions each year;
Cards and notes throughout the twelve months;
Celebrations each time someone could visit;
Sending us out with more than what we came with –
These are memories I have of you.

German and Czech history filled with tales of good and bad;
Reflections of Chicago living and growing up in the city;
A blind date with a dashing handsome man and moving to the West;
A house on Marshall Street with a big pine tree reaching to the sky –
These are memories I have of you.

Clothes carrying the natural scent of line dry from flapping in the wind;
Computers nonexistent and cell phones nowhere to be seen;
Washing and drying dishes as a time of fellowship instead of a chore;
Talking around the table preferable over an evening out –
These are memories I have of you.

A tender gentle heart;
Always optimistic;
Heart and head forever turned towards God;
Praying for all family and friends before the sun arose;
Outstretched arms to rich and poor, friend or foe; Joy amidst pain, thankfulness in sorrow,
And unconditional love.
These are memories I have of you…and always will.