I have been thinking a lot lately about loss. About death and conversely about life.
These thoughts don’t inundate me by chance.
This month, 21 years ago, my mom died.
She had breast cancer. She was 51.
When she died, my brother had just turned 18. Familiarly close to both of my children’s ages now.
Death does that to you. It makes you look at your own life from a different angle. And it makes you run parallels.
My brother and my mom had a special relationship.
Profound love.
He idolized her. She was his rock.
They held a mystical connection.
This is the poem he wrote for her and read at her service.
At 18, he found a way to flawlessly communicate her essence along with his unwavering love for her. He did it in a way no one else could.
A deep and soulful spirit in a fledgling body.
I have never been more proud of him.
Our Cherished Angel
Our mortal words
will never describe her,
a definite glance
can never define her.
High above these cloudy depths,
she would raise her hopes
and catch her breaths.
A woman of pride, beauty, and fight
A teacher of children who never lost sight
The mother we loved, who gave us our smiles
My teacher for whom I’d walk infinite miles.
Her grace and her class
quieted crowds
Sharp like a blade
her thoughts, not too loud.
Not driven by the hustle of everyday life,
Content with a book and a sweet glass of wine
Understanding and willing to help with our goals
Placing no kind of judgment on ideas told.
Like wind through the trees
came her hand through my hair
piercing into my heart
with her intuitive stare.
Oh mother, sweet mother
Where ever you are
Throughout this earth and in every star.
We love you, sweet mother
Don’t travel too far
Soon we’ll be joining you
again on your star.
Anthony Tubiola
Turns out, I am not the only writer in the family.
Salty Kisses,
Karen
Photo: Snapwire
10 responses to “Losing Your Mom at 18: A Poem”
Your words and your brother’s poem is another affirmation of the power to heal through writing. Thanks so much for sharing. xoxox
Thank you Marjorie! xoxo
That is really beautiful – thank you for sharing.
Oh, thank you!! xx
That’s lovely.
I have had an unfortunate concentration of memorial services to attend in the last few weeks – walked into each one sad and then out still sad but buoyed by the amazing words people come up with to share their love and respect for those who are gone. I’ve been feeling so tongue-tied, I feel like those who can speak are giving the rest of the mourners such a gift.
I am sorry about the succession of losses you have experienced. Thank you so much for your comment!! I agree-I think hearing the words people write has a healing power for everyone. And having written my mother’s eulogy myself-I know it comes from a deep, authentic place. I never thought I could do it but somehow, the words just spilled out! Thank you Bonnie so much for taking time to read this!
Your brother’s mortal words reach far. I do hope he is since then still writing
Thank you Chris. He is such a right brain soul but sadly-doesn’t write or use his artistic abilities much. He does play music though so that is better than nothing! Thank you for taking time to comment! 🙂
Very touching. I’m sure your mom is quite proud of you both…
Oh my goodness that is so sweet! Thank you! xx