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I Kept Her Alive



Several weeks ago, I officiated at Jacqueline’s funeral. She was 83 and in hospice at the time of her passing. Her son, Daniel, is the father of two children. His newborn daughter, Olivia, was born three days before his mother died.


I write this interpretive poem in memory of Jacqueline and in honor of Olivia. This is the family story told to me by the bereaved son. (I have changed their names for privacy.)


I kept her alive so she could hold my newborn


And I could rest in peace


Knowing that they had bonded briefly


But beautifully


From womb to casket.


Everyday,


I look at their picture with a joyful sorrow.


While I mourn the loss of my mother.


My tears flow for my tiny tot


Knowing that her future would survive


Without my mother being in it.


Forever stitched into my daughter’s baby blanket


Is the heart of my mother


And their eternal love.


Aleha hashalom”


May peace be reverently placed upon her soul


And grant our family a restful sleep, one night at a time


Always


With gratitude.


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