The day of laughter recalled

                A piece of yesterday opens and a tear finds my
cheek. So sad was the recollection but so much joy
in the hope.

                Softly I smile. Weakened but happily. So clear
is the morning. So open was the cool breeze. So many
years ago, I still recall as vivid as today.

                The quiet bits of the morning light, the calm
streaks of silence. Still bustling events were surrounding.
Tiny smiles and hearty laughter echoing down a hallway.

                The aromas of fresh grits, homemade biscuits
and fresh ground coffee awakened this child. A kindness
in innocence. So much had thrust against me
in just one week and still I remained delighted in the
views to come.

               A skip I produced down the pea green hallway.
Holding onto the built in rails along golden walls. Only
this morning I didn't do my usual trick of a somersault.

               A sense of urgency to see a face, a kind
smile of an old man. Saddened by repeated strokes,
still gathered sparkles in cornflowers. Beckoned by
a curled up hand, come sit next to him. Yes come
Mur sit next to me, I have a joke to tell.

             Yet to my ears, my mind I had heard the
story several times, my eyes lit up that he wanted
to relate it to me once more. Ah the simple delights
of an old man to his granddaughter. The gentle
ease of the early morning sunrise across the already
crazy kitchen table.

            I plopped down to the chair and leaned in
intensely afraid I may loose hold of one tiny detail.
Ah indeed I loved my grandfather. Wanted to hear
him talk. Even though his words slurred and he
stumbled upon the thoughts. I still begged for his
experiences, his stories.

           As I leaned forward more thunder rolled
down the corridor. My mother and sister had found
their stomachs growling as well.

            Yes, turning back to the story, I said finish
granddad, finish the joke. Indeed not a moment too
far he was collected and reinventive. Oh the
imagination expanded, the extention of joy and
laughter that followed just received smiles all
across the kitchen space.

           Ah yet the rush of morning beckoned motion.
Errands of the elderly commanded attention. So
must a child obey those who are her elders.

           Rapidly dressed and awaiting those I was to
endure in a car ride. Ah I leaned in to give my
grandfather a big, clinging hug. Ah Mur you are
choking me.. ~ the last words I would hear.

          Pulling away I danced myself to the car.
Remaining happy, joyful throughout the trip. The
demands of solemn times became pressed. Yet I
did not waver. Strength in me had to be tall.

         For the next event unfolded into damaging
tragedy for all that was family.

          All I could recall was how much love, joy
was displayed that morning. Now all that was left,
empty space. To laugh would have been crazy.

        Oh how, days, now just thinking of his jokes
draws tears from stormy slate. Yet I have hope.
I am given the hope of the resurrection. To once
more hear his jokes, to listen to the voice of my
buddy. Oh I dream.

       Choking back tears. Yes so much is left unsaid.
I endure because I have Jehovah. I have that
beautiful hope.

       Yes it was a sad recollection but a bit of
insight to the man I hold to great esteem. No one
can compare. Just to that I have only met
one person who is closest to him. I cling to the fact
I have been acquainted.

       Such a kindness in a Father to his daughter.
Indeed a question may arise, dare to ask it for
Jehovah will answer you.

      As today unfolds I am not sad only hopeful.
Wanting so much of tiny bits of joy. So I dream,
I recall the goodness in such a moment.

      Yes dear friend, smile. One may be needed
to see more hope.