Wither

You've bloomed like a magnificent rose, red and pink and white petals slowly opening, reaching, growing to show off your beauty to the world.

The light from your core was brighter than the sun, and no matter what your critics said, you stood tall, shoulders squared, feet firm, and you faced them, full of joy.

Everything you touched with your hand was filled with love; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren... each and every one you loved so fully and proudly, it can be felt across time.

Smile radiant, touch gentle, you lived your life in the way you wanted to, and didn't take 'no' for an answer.  Defiant, strong, witty... you lead the way in breaking the ideal of what women could achieve.

Hair always done, dress adorning you, hugs as warm as Arizona springs... I always felt at home in your eyes, and you could always see the potential in me, when the rest of the family thought I was a lost cause.

Now, decades after you first started to bloom, you slowly wither.  You are still a rose, yes, a beautiful rose, but the petals are wilting and falling to the floor, red fading to pink and grey...

Yet you still outshine the rest.  Believe me, you do!  Your laugh uplifts my spirit, and smile makes me feel like I'm worthwhile and loved.  This is a gift no one can ever take from me... from us.

No matter what... please know that I love you, and you will forever be loved.  Do not worry that you wither.  Decay is inevitable for even the greatest human.  The light you carry and shine on me will last forever.

-Erin M. Truesdale, May 28, 2013