To Me She Was Wise

My mother was open-minded yet keeping to the path taught her children to show up, make friends, be kind and inclusive she was a bright light, an example. I didn’t realize how much I was impacted by this woman who read scores of books, volunteered, loved family, planted flowers, offered answers to tough questions, not always what I hoped to hear. I tried on her courage but it weighed on me like a wool coat with too many buttons a collar that irritated my neck pockets that weren’t deep enough. When I wish to awaken her image I struggle to choose an age and stage of life. Her older self appears, my last impression— at the nursing home we would sit together while I held her hand and polished her nails. I miss her voice since she’s been gone listening for answers in times of discord, listening for wisdom when the path forks, wearing her spoon ring, gold bracelet, and pearls help me believe she is standing by.