By Erica Brooks
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October 18, 2022
In one summer, I learned how to be a Mother My life was forever changed when I boarded that plane Everything was new when I stepped into This atmosphere, where the sun shone brightly and the air was clear I could finally breathe There she stood, smiling Arms open wide My first instinct was to run and hide Her eyes … They told stories beyond vision Pools of virtuosity and undeniable wisdom Piercing through to my soul, calling out to the little girl in me- How could she see...how did she see, me ? She pulled me in close, as if to say “ You’re welcome here, I want you here, get comfortable for your stay ” She met me with kindness that bellowed from her core And since being honored with her presence, who I once was exists no more I’ve been transformed I’ve seen in her all of what love can be God made loving her so easy Watching her taught me how to breathe, & how to be How to thrive, and how to love fiercely Even without words, I learned from her The compassion, the steadfastness, gentleness and faith This experience was a gift greater than words ever could say She was musical, witty, supremely kind Outgoing, hilarious, finer than wine Her laughter filled rooms and shifted the winds No one who entered stayed the same from when they first entered in Her fluorescence, her warmth, the cadence of her stride I knew my heart was safe there to confide She was fearless, honest, put forth her best Never backed down from a challenge, expertly intelligent She shared her heart, her space Taught me discipline, and spoke only life Under her wings I learned how to fly She walked in her authentic beauty Never dimming her light With creativity, spunk, and zeal She inspired broken souls to rise up and take flight She prayed with us, she danced, she joined in with our crazy She sang from her heart, what a remarkable lady She radiated originality and confidence with elegance and class Her greatness could fill stadiums, breaking through ceilings of glass She gave of herself She offered her time She cared for people expensively, beyond what money could buy She encouraged curiosity and nurtured my dreams She gave me a model of what it means to live free She encouraged us to know God Created an environment of safety She fostered our gifts And brought us into rooms that ignited us creatively She took care of herself and walked in integrity She loved on her husband and son And protected her family She never used her voice to speak evil But always from the heart Full of passion and dignity She is the artist, and the art She is courageous and bold With humility and strength She always claps for others, but I applaud her-today Who knew that in just one summer such an impact would be made My children have her to thank for who their Mommy is today I’m grateful and blessed to have experienced measures of love in this way My life is all the better My heart is full and forever changed This virtuous woman in one summer taught me more about womanhood and life Than a myriad of experiences ever could in a lifetime I’ve been graced to witness beauty in all of its glory Simply because God gave me & the world His special daughter, (Auntie) Lori