The setting sun behind me casts long shadows on her grave. I stand alone as the sweltering heat of the day gives way to the cool night. She was born here; amongst the fields of cows and sheep and the never-ending rows of meilies and sugar cane that we used to play hide-and-seek in as children.
Here in Sweetwaters, a place true to its name. Unkown by many, a symbol of poverty to some, and the place of no return for those who feel they are lucky to have escaped its dusty grip. Yet for her, home was truly where her heart was and she came back. Back to her birthplace, to sleep until the day after eternity has ended, under the cool shade of the Avocado tree.

I lie down on the cool, prickly grass, close my eyes and imagine that she is once again, like so many times before, laying beside me. I forget about the snakes and bugs crawling in the grass, I even forget that I am outside on a windy night. For just this moment, I allow myself to be blissfully ignorant to the reality around me and let my heart rediscover memories of her face, her smile, her laugh, anything that would bring her back to me.

I used to say that if I had one wish, I would wish her back. So I could selfishly keep her to myself and never again have to go through that icy hot stabbing feeling of losing her.
I know now that life isn't as simple as wishing on a star. In fact, wishes themselves seldom, if ever, come true. You accept what you're given and learn to live without that which is taken from you.

Nowadays when I wish upon a star, it is not with hopes of raising the dead. Those who leave remain in our memories; ageless beauties smiling at us. Now, my wish is that wherever she may be, my mother is proud of me.

12/06/1968 - 10/06/2006

Such a beautiful tapestry of words, and thoughts. A intriguing pictorial that vividly covers my mind. A parents love always
stands proud......

Beautiful tribute to the process of grief. Sorry you lost her so young...you and she both.