the gift of love

Recollections of the last few days swirl through my mind.

Family, the people I am most comfortable with, within hugging reach.

Early morning coffee with a sister on the front porch.

Dad, smiling and thankful. Mom, absorbing the moments.

And then, just like that it is over,

and the people that I love are gone again. Home.

Out of reach, and I regret

that the time was so busy and so soon gone-

because this is my family

and I miss them already.

And then, just like that,

the firstborn grandchild's car spins out of control

and the car is damaged and the spirit is bruised

but our child is okay

and I am scared, and thankful, and angry

and Thankful again-

because the gift of love and

the gift of those we love

can be taken away.