Day 15

Written in memory of one of my first Shero’s, my aunt, Sandra Elise Thidemann Howley.  She passed away one year ago on December 9.  She was a concert pianist, entertainer, teacher, mother, aunt, grandmother and a shining light for those who knew her.

WHEN I WAS 8
By Karen Keough-Huff

I remember you

When I was 8

Your hands flew over the keys

And I sat, so small,

In a red velvet seat

Surrounded by the beautiful sounds

Of your music.

 

A beautiful dress

A bouquet of roses

And the rush of applause

So loud and spontaneous

My heart swelled

With pride for you.

 

You must have been so proud

On top of the world

Then it so quickly ended by the

Diagnosis that your hands

Could no longer do

What they were gifted to do

 

So you took your talent

And opened your other gifts

For the world to see

You became a person

Not just an entertainer

With a great personality

And a family to love

 

I thought you would want more

But you settled for less

As we all have done

Brought to earth by circumstances

Beyond your control but

Still remaining strong

With hope

For a better life

That wasn’t a dream

You’ve won and lost

Like all of us

 

My shining star

You lit up

Every room you entered and

As you enter your final resting place

You deserve one more round of applause

One more bouquet of roses

You are forever admired

Just as much by

The little girl watching you play

Mastering your life’s experiences

The way you mastered

Your piano

When I was 8