Shooting Star

Like the wind in the willows, the leaves gracing the grass, the sunshine dandelions bursting with affection. The tender touch of an aged woman with her olive green veins as it pats the china glazed skin of her granddaughter, with her red, white laced dress, shiny black shoes with the puffy laced socks to match. The laughter that twirls and capers within the halls. The familiarity of Sunday morning pancakes.

Yet today the comfortless sky fills the bodies of souls with grief as tears slide down the cheeks like molasses syrup. Though clear, it feels dark and sticky, not able to be moved without creating a trace behind. Heading to where dark never see's light, the last time to see the ghost face, life not coming out ever again. Seeing only the end of the shooting star, the luminous streak that came and went before being able to grasp the living, the best part of the sparkling moment.

Reaching out, grabbing tightly for the loose ends. Hanging onto the last moment, like a kodak into the mind. The smile, the way life shown out of his eyes, his worker hands laced with sawdust, the squeaking of his socks down the tiled hallways. The vegetable soup from the Campbell's can as he watches his football team win. And the more treasured moments, the ones that make you feel like the most important thing in the world. The way he combed the blonde hair in the bathroom with a tooth-combed brush, mirrors lining the wall as he said "Monsieur madame" the giggles filling the atmosphere. Fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning from the orange trees as he sat in loafers reading the paper as we ran around in the green grass still wet from the morning dew.

And as the leaves graces the grass, playing amongst the willow tree, I look back, your smile beaming at his wonderful children, knowing how wonderful, happy and great his kids are, and all they will accomplish. And knowing that there will never be a better day because I was able to see the entire shooting star. I will keep that forever.

(Though I have never lost my dad, just trying to write such a blog was difficult and tears came to my eyes. All my love and thoughts to those who have.)