I don’t have an extraordinary event to tell you about…not this time. I’d like to get there one of these days. Tell a good tell of some glory days I may have left, but today I have my niece to talk about.

Not long ago, I saw family that I hadn’t seen in a while. It took me long enough to go see them, but I figured it had been too long. Figured I shouldn’t waste so much time on things like this, because you never know when you’re going to get that time again.

It was good to see my family and show my face. That stuff still counts for something. Well, showing up was appropriate it, nonetheless, but it was emotional for me as I thought about the hiatus of being around them and all that I had missed.

My niece was one of those things that I have missed. I didn’t know she’d be so adorable when I meet her. I had heard about her and didn’t know what to expect from her. She turned my trip into a well worth it journey. She was full of life with her giggles and smiles. Had me thinking of kids of my own for a moment. Other moments…I thought about the world we live in and what it has come to and how she’s going to have to grow up in it and navigate through it the best way she can. But I suppose that’s what we do when it comes to our younger ones…I suppose that’s what we do.

Sitting on our king-size bed in a small hotel room, just big enough for two, it dawned on me that 2024 would soon be through. In an instant, the entire year flashed before my eyes. Each memory that ran through my mind carried an emotional tie. I would smile, then sigh. It’s funny how we go through life trying to survive every heartache that comes our way, clinging to any blissful memory that helps the day’s pain temporarily fade, even if just for a few seconds. As 2024’s end draws near, going into the new year will become my favorite memory—a few moments of my life I’d love to freeze in time. The hardest question to answer is which of them will forever be engraved in my heart and mind could it be when we were in Austin, holding each other close because living in two different cities made every mile feel lonely and long? A moment of silence was broken when you looked into my eyes and asked, “Will you marry me?” My heart jumped for joy—or at least that’s what it felt like. It could have been our unborn baby moving inside me at the time. Of course, the day I heard our baby girl’s first cry as she entered the world will always stand out. That is a given. But the one memory that will always capture my heart is the one we created here in the Days Inn. We had no money to spend, yet somehow, a little tree, lights, and a few decorations were provided. The reason this is my most treasured moment is that, even though we had very little, we managed to show our three-month-old daughter the most valuable lesson anyone could ever pass on: love, resourcefulness, and the joy of making the best of what you have. Here’s a refined version with improved punctuation and flow: to surround yourself with people who love you, no matter what; to appreciate what you have; to be grateful for what was given—this will always be my favorite memory. It was in that moment I felt complete, because I now have a little family to share this Kong size bed withAnd now, life feels like pure bliss.

Let me know if you’d like to add or adjust anything further!

In Philly’s vibe, where art’s alive,
Two friends meet, their spirits thrive.
Orange and black, red and white,
Colors dancing in the Sculpture Yard’s light.

“What’s The Tea?” we came to see,
Where flavors soothe and set hearts free.
Tea like coffee, bold yet sweet,
A soulful moment, a perfect retreat.

We spoke of power, women’s strength,
Of building bridges, going great lengths.
A sound bath wrapped us in dreams untold,
Spring’s fresh buds, life’s stories unfold.

With strangers near, like Wonderland’s twist,
Sisterhood formed, a moment not missed.
Girl time healing, laughter flows,
In the simplest of acts, the magic grows.

Always make time for tea, my dear,
A pause for love, for hope, for cheer.
In every sip, a spark can gleam,
In tea, we brew a brighter dream.

There comes a time to stop
And finish a chapter in your book of life.
A time to bid farewell to the rat race.
A decision made to retire and enjoy the good life.
Except … two of my five children live at home.
One working toward an advanced degree.
The other still a teen with college ahead.
Neither fully independent yet.
Was pondering retirement irresponsible
Considering those familial obligations?
I reviewed every possible scenario,
And came to the conclusion that
It seemed to be an imprudent time to stop working.
It wasn’t that I was no longer productive.
I could still do the job well,
When I wanted to.
It’s just that my heart wasn’t in it,
And both my heart and gut told me it was time
To set aside my sales tools and retire.
But to what?
A life of morning coffee or tea,
Blending into an afternoon newspaper or book read,
Giving way to an evening of television?
I knew that it didn’t have to be that.
I have recently fancied myself a writer,
A part-time amateur for sure.
I rationalized that retirement would bring me
All the additional time I needed
To promote and sell my writings!
But would I then be retired,
Hawking my thoughts as merchandise
Rather than the equipment I once offered?
The solution was so simple.
I will be a writer without selling one single word.
I just need to write.
For myself.
With a purpose ahead of me,
I chose to retire in 2024.
It wasn’t easy to disentangle from my career.
It was difficult to set aside the ways and habits
That led to past professional successes.
It was painful to let go of career plans
That will forever remain unrealized.
There are work tendrils still attached to me,
But they grow weaker and fewer each day.
I closed the chapter of my life
That I called my job
To enjoy my retirement.
But that is not the end of my book.
I have begun writing my next chapter,
As an author,
Creating for myself.
I’m grateful for readers
Who choose to spend their time
Exploring my thoughts.
But I’m not dependent upon them
To find validation in my narratives.

Briskly shuffling my feet, brushing off the chill of the morning air. Everyone piling into the car which had been packed the night before. Sun hasn’t even risen, and we must remain on schedule. Arriving late, we cannot do, our flight will not delay. An hour’s drive to arrive, finally we made it. Finding a parking space, easy, but why am breezing by the loading dock for the second time? Check in bags, boarding pass, on to the next line. TSA, put that away, no water bottles getting by.

Done and done, now we await our plane to arrive. I’ve never flown before and for my children, bravery will I perform. Another line, but this time onto the plane we’ll ascend. Down the small hallway, I see the small entry, leading into a compact space. The engines rave and the tires roar. Into the sky, we lift, up, up, we soar, turn, then we shift. Below my feet there is no surface only streams of influx, keeping this tin can afloat. Turbulent tumults rattle my seat, but the fear I thought I’d have, was nowhere to be seen. This challenge I carried all my life must now proclaim its defeat.

The first descent lays over in Orlando; sunshine and a warm breeze. Our second descent brings us to paradise, our long-awaited event. A roar of applause washes over the passengers, and beautiful song over the intercom. A song that rings out in my heart and from my mind the words have never departed, “Yo te quiero Puerto Rico, yo te quiero Puerto Rico.” Departing at a fast pace, I make my way to the baggage carousel. I break into a Sprint eager to make your acquaintance. When I finally laid eyes on you, my contentment I did not hide. “Bienvenido a Puerto Rico,” your words dressed as fancy invitations. Bystanders stare as our affections overflow proven by shrieks and squeals.

Finally, we made it, can’t believe we’re all here. I’m standing in the place I thought I’d never see. The climate is a major change. The air warm, thick, and heavy. It sticks to me as if I’ve just been layered in sweet candy. The night sky and the beautiful landscape dazzle as my eyes dance from one side to the other. So many things to see and everything I want to discover. The homes sprinkle the mountain sides as colorful as the rainbow. Each neighbor a different flavor, though our dwelling was my favorite one of all. La Casita Amarilla, even more beautiful than the pictures told. Your face is bright and not ashamed. You’re small but very bold. Luscious green grass surrounds your exterior, beautiful mountain ranges paint the background. In the dark, it is to me, that the Coqui sings, while in the hammock to and frow I softly swing. The sun shines bright, rising early to give light, like a kiss, it also offers its warmth generously, just like an embrace. The rain comes down with the beautiful sound shhhhhhhhhhhh, it calls me from my sleep. This extravagant curtain on every side, glistening, it surrounds me, from heaven to the earth coming down, bowing at my feet.

I don’t feel like a visitor, this is the place that I am meant to be. The people are kind, smiling as you pass. A gentle nod, a Buen Dia, along with Buen provecho as you prepare to feast. The streets are full of music. The Bachata a consistent bidding. The food has made me smile. The ocean has captured my tears. My shoes are dusted with sand and seashells have my pockets full. I’ve been allowed to place my hands on family I haven’t seen in a year or more. This island has brought so much joy, enough for me to store.

I couldn’t help but shed a tear and let it wash away with the swell. The thought of leaving you behind, this story I don’t want to tell. Every year we come together sharing our day of birth. Crossing the ocean, for you, I came in honor of our day. May we both live to see it this is something that I pray for. My best friend, the girl with the same face, my lifelong playmate, my twin. Being this far away from you is a challenge proven. The love we have for one another no one can ever ruin.

As I pack my bags, I bid farewell to this Island that has been so kind. The hardest thing to leave here is you girl, my silent communicator, the reader of my mind. I take my seat, and my heart breaks. I couldn’t keep it in. Bye for now, best friend, I can’t wait to see you again. Long layovers finally bring us home to Oklahoma. The cold breeze welcomes as the emptiness makes its grip. The cold night air whips around, whispering in my ear. Already I miss you and there’s no way to make you appear. 2,232 miles away My heart now resides. I swapped it in exchange for the one I now clutch on a key chain. The chill makes me pull my jacket closer. The breeze of blue surrounds, but a warm glow is left in my heart, more than enough to warm me.

In the midafternoon on a hot July day,
The call came in, he was on his way.
A month premature, he just couldn’t wait,
To meet all his family, regardless of date.

“He’s coming soon, I need you, Mom.”
My girl groaned and she panted, with pain overcome.
“Of course I will be there, to help and support.
As long as required, the time long or short.”

The drive never-ending, I was cautious and tense,
My thoughts whirring madly, with worry, suspense.
The hours swallowed up in anticipation,
Of meeting my grandson, God’s newest creation.

While still en route, my phone gave a whine,
The wee lad was here, Mom and babe doing fine.
“I can’t wait to meet him, the dear little boy,
To add to our family, a bundle of joy.”

Adherence to rules in the NICU was firm,
No visitors yet, no risking the germs.
I embraced Mom and Dad, sadly turned away,
I would wait to return another day.

Disappointment was lurking, but soon dismissed,
When I picked up my granddaughter, now a big sis.
Excitement, elation, and pride overflowing,
“I’m a sister, Gran!” Her bright eyes were glowing.

The time passed by quickly, we sang silly songs,
Told stories, drew pictures, the bonding was strong.
Her five-year-old giggles, so blissfully sweet,
Making quality memories, Gran’s joy near complete.

And then came the summons, the much-waited call,
We entered the NICU, we walked down the hall.
Met by a chorus of pumping machines,
Monitors beeping with bright glowing screens.

Other babies were crying, in colic distress,
Inconsolable feelings, the need to express.
Nurturing caregivers attempting to calm,
To comfort and soothe them, to offer aplomb.

Now there is our Benjamin, beloved prince,
Sleeping so soundly, contentment evinced.
Tubes, wires, and monitors tracking his pace,
I picked him up gingerly, gazed at his face.

Ten tiny fingers and ten teeny toes,
His velvety head, and a bitty snub nose.
Chest rising and falling the breaths coming quick,
Pacified cooing, a weak little kick.

“Hi, Benny Boy, my cute little bro,”
She whispered so gently, her face all aglow.
“I’m your big sister, I’ll teach you so much,”
There was evident love in her look and her touch.

A nurse breezed through the door, glad news to foretell,
“Two more days, or tomorrow, if all is well,
You can take your boy home, escape from this place,
We’ll miss this sweet fellow, serene little face.”

We woke up next morning, got straight to our chores,
Tidied the bedrooms, and bathrooms and floors.
Baked special treats for Mommy and Dad,
Gran and her girlie, what fun we had!

We made ourselves pretty, prepared for the meeting,
Crafted a sign, a creative greeting.
Little Miss Harper, with nose pushed to glass,
Watching and waiting rewarded at last.

“They’re here, they’re here! Yippee, yippee!”
She raced to the door, shrieking with glee.
She slowed her step and softened her tone,
“Oh dear little brother, welcome home.”

Tears came to my eyes, watching the sight,
My two precious grandkids, my heart, my delight.
I cuddled them closely, both baby and sis,
And cherished the moment, a grandmother’s bliss.

Sunday morning, routine coffee mug full of hot, fresh-brewed coffee out of the 15-year old mr.coffee pot we got around the same time young me decided I like to drink coffee too. we sit outside on the deck that used to be filled with toys, now filled with tables, chairs, and adult-ish things as there are no kids that live here now. I sip on the hazelnut coffee my mom brewed; she remembered my favorite flavor after the one time I said it 5 years ago. I’ll let the sip linger on my tongue, praying the moment won’t pass before I allow it to consume me. my mom and I sit in silence, I think she’s sinking into the present too. we swirl our coffee in unison, knowing it’s getting cold because we have been savoring it for far too long now. we are in no rush to enjoy this cup; I would rather it turn cold while I find new ways to enjoy the present. it’s more than just coffee.
 

THIS NOTE NOT A PART OF THE SUBMISSION… this fresh piece, written last week, was a part of a very special moment – a personal epiphany really at age 70– that “It takes courage to be Happy.” Since been written, this piece has been read in two open mics, and well received.
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WINTER SUNDAY

I am defying winter
the cold and snow abound
by bare feet in sandals

even tho there is blue sky
visible thru the trees now
the branches are bare of happy green leaves.

A definition for being stuck,
in a certain defiance, a something
where the observation of a particular reality
is denied, where in that moment
seeing ain’t necessarily believing,
in wondering about the Webb Space Telescope
possibly having revealed an alternate view of the universe
(?really?) maybe it is only supposition
based on quantum physics?

Cold toes brings me back to
white, snowy realism
while questioning the faith I have in my brain,

why did that happen?
When loving another brings the pain
of separation, that great divide.

Twin reservoirs harbor cold water,
thick ice on top too, this winter Sunday
the cold wind blows my grey hair,
shivering, even tho I don’t want to.
What I can’t see diminishes my vision.
I do see the large, lone grey boulder, locked
in lakeside ice. Moose stand ‘way over there
my ears are in perfect order
hearing them call, EER-UGH, from the opposite shore.

—The American moose has a universal call between both sexes, the EER-UGH utterance varies with more emphasis on the ERR “syllable” in the does, and more emphasis on the UGH syllable in the bucks. When this poem is read on public, I am using the buck “pronunciation.”

Dear Unsealers,

In May, I planted garlic. It wasn’t much—just a few cloves from my sister-in-law’s house, buried with hope beneath the soil.

I’d read that garlic sprouts in about two weeks. So, I waited. I watered. I checked that spot every day. Weeks passed, then months, and still—nothing.

My girls, kind but honest, told me to let it go. “It’s not going to grow, Mom.” And maybe they were right. Maybe I was watering empty soil, chasing something that would never bloom. But I couldn’t stop myself. I held on, stubborn as ever, because, what if?

I must have looked foolish, still tending to what looked like failure, month after month. And then, one day, I stopped. Not because I had given up entirely, but because I was tired. I hadn’t watered that spot in weeks, hadn’t checked on it either. I’d quietly moved on, carrying that little ache of disappointment with me.

But life has a funny way of surprising us.

Out of nowhere, a green sprout appeared—small, vibrant, alive. I stared at it, stunned. Against all odds, after all that time, the garlic had grown.

That moment was more than a sprout to me. It was proof that sometimes, things take longer than they “should.” Growth doesn’t always happen when or how we expect it to. Just because something looks still doesn’t mean it isn’t alive beneath the surface.

This year, that garlic taught me about faith—the quiet kind that keeps going when there’s no evidence to keep believing. It taught me about letting go, too. Sometimes we try so hard to force something to happen, but when we step back, we give it space to grow.

So here’s what I’ll remember as the year ends: miracles take time. Don’t stop believing in the things you’ve planted. Don’t stop believing in yourself. Even when the world says it’s hopeless, even when you’re tired of waiting—keep going. Because the moment you least expect it, life will break through, whispering, “See? It was happening all along.”

Forever Growing,

In the quiet of my heart, a promise takes its place,
To live in peace, our family in pieces, I’ll find my space.
With eyes set on tomorrow, I’ll rise above the pain,
Transforming scars to strength, like sunshine after rain.

Though shadows whisper doubts, and the past tries to bind,
I’ll embrace my true potential, leave the hurt behind.
A mother, a student, a writer with a voice,
I’ll show the world my power, I’ll take back my choice.

To those who said I couldn’t, I’ll prove them all wrong,
With every step I take, I’ll grow steadfast and strong.
Though tremors once held me, I’ll stand with grace anew,
Facing the abuser, I’m ready to break through.

No fear will hold me captive, no chains will keep me down,
With faith as my armor, I’ll wear my courage crown.
For no matter their intentions, in darkness they may spin,
I’ll rise and shine forever, for I will never let them win.