Mothers and daughters have their moments. Me and my mother certainly had ours.
We were estranged for several years, but were able to talk about our past and heal. She finally became the Momma I longed for, and we were able to become friends – Mother and Daughter. I am so grateful.
But cancer stole her away from me. I miss her each day. I miss the relationship we carved out of the pain of our past.
A few weeks before she died, she told me her story – one that I did not know. She showed me documents of her life – wanting me to understand her. I listened and saw the incredible woman she was. She overcame a type of domestic abuse that would have destroyed most women.
And now, I understand so much more. Since she passed, each year on her birthday, I read her words and reflect on her life. Each year, I understand so much more.
If I could sit with her and tell her one thing, it would be, “Momma, I understand. Thank you for doing the best you could. ”
I wrote this poem under my pen name, but want to share it with my readers here. It was written as a poetry prompt on Twitter. The prompt was sent from Momma, I know. The prompt? Topaz tears. Momma’s favorite ring was a blue topaz. Her favorite gemstone was the topaz – both blue and yellow.
Happy Birthday, Momma!
In Memory of Shirley Loraine Harper-Brock
Time passed, Words missed,
Some days, the ache for her touch
Was beyond that last moment kissed,
An emptiness that hurts so much.
Memories of her smile,
Blue eyes sparkling,
Voice across the miles,
Calling me Darling.
Needing her wisdom,
Wishing she was here,
For Momma, I still listen
Through the fall of topaz tears.
Renee Harper-Vacek (CWylde)
ⓒ 03 / 14 / 15
(Happy Birthday, Momma)
Dancing Naked 