I wrote this poem in 2021 after my beautiful Granny passed away unexpectedly.

She was extremely important to me and we were very close. She was the only grandparent I really had.

I did somewhat know my other three grandparents, but I didn’t really know them or spend any amount of time with them, but that can be a story for another day.

When we lost my Granny, we lost someone strong, resilient, and wonderful.

She was nowhere near perfect, but she kept our family together and built something from nothing.

She loved unlike most other people in the world.

She left us too soon, but I’m so glad that she got to be close to my kids, and however faint, they have some memories of her.

Here’s to you, Granny.

My wildflower, you first sprouted some many years ago

Higher and higher you rose

Until you met the harsh nature of the world

So young you were when the rain came, beating you down from above

Still higher and higher you rose

The wind blew you toward the dirt, trying to knock you down

Sill higher and higher you rose

Then threatened to be cut down by those who did not appreciate you

Who left you along the side of the road, like you were nothing more than a weed

Still higher and higher you rose

Where some would wilt, you stood tall,

Rather than fall, you persevered

Afraid as you were, you were no longer delicate, but adapting

Adapting to the changes around you

Adapting to ensure the prosperity of the future

My wildflower.

Over time you lost leaves and petals and seeds

But you didn’t falter

While not the same, you were whole in a new way

The changes, the scars, were not only a part of you, but a testament

A flower that was needed by the world

Never less than everything you needed to be

For those who needed you, those who wanted you, those who loved you

And even those who did not deserve you

Resilient, kind, beautiful, loved, and much needed. My wildflower.

When the end of the season arrived,

And you were ready to go back into the Earth from which you came

My world seemed smaller and less beautiful

In the eyes of the ones who loved you, you were never simple, never delicate

Your color, your radiance, your love, your strength

And while the season has ended, I must believe

A piece of you remains in part of me

Until the time comes when again you will sprout from the Earth

And back to me you will come

My beautiful wildflower.

My Granny died in April 2021.

She was one of the strongest people I have ever known.

She helped raise me and was really more like a second parent.

Not a day goes by that we don’t miss her and I’m so incredibly lucky my kids have some memory of her and were able to meet her before she passed.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without her influence.

Someday, when I’m ready, I’ll come back and tell more of her story.