A rainy, gloomy, cold day

was the messenger that brought news my family’s way.

The bell rang to go home and outside my mom awaited, which was strange.

We only lived a block away.

I noticed tears running down my mother’s face.

“What’s wrong?” I pleaded,

as I watched the rain drops on the window race.

I didn’t know what to think, my mind strayed.

I remember mom taking a detour home.

We rode down 20th, South Park Ave and then Ohio street.

A feeling of distress overwhelmed us as we followed mom’s command, “get on the couch.”

Mom looked in our eyes and said,

“Daddy passed away.”

We embraced.

The veins in our necks and foreheads strained as we groaned and cried. We were in so much pain.

Your life was unrightfully, tragically taken.

The healing process is uneasy and frayed.

I miss you dad.

I miss your sweet face.

The pain of missing you exceeds what words could ever explain.

I want to make you proud.

I’ll never let the memories of you fade.