As we head into Easter week it is a week of reflection.
Whether you are a person of faith or not, it is time for people to get together, to remember, to be watchful, to wonder and to hope.
For my family it is also a time when we remember it is 10 years at Easter time we last saw our daughter/granddaughter/niece/cousin.
The time she told us that she had been told to ‘dump her family in Bristol.’
Just like Easter, there are days full of utter sadness and regret, followed by days of questioning until we reach that day of celebration and hope for the future.
Sadness at the enormity of having lost someone we all loved dearly.
Questioning as to why and how did this ever get to this stage?
Celebration of the 7 years we were able to be part of her life.
Hope that she is making her way in the world, and really making a difference for those around her, and to never give up the hope that one day she will want to see us all.
Yes tears fall, but smiles soon appear as we can still hear her voice, her giggles and her remember her joy.
Easter.
The blossom, the birds and the sun
That time of year of promise
10 years ago you hunted for eggs from the Easter Bunny
Tiny signs showing you the way
Giggles as the chocolate treasure was found
Watching you from the window
Sheer delight and joy.
That photo of you with your sweet prizes
Etched in my memory for ever
Seems like yesterday
Not 10 years of separation
A little girl full of fun and laughter
Full of important things to say
Now a young woman, who I don’t know
Easter a time for reflection
A time for looking forward
Life goes on, the world is still turning
A life that I know is a better place
For having you in this world.
I can close my eyes and remember
A privilege to have known you
To have had you in my life
It may have been for a short time
But because of you
Grandparents are no longer alone.
Whatever you are up to this Easter
Remember you are not forgotten
You are ever present with all your family here.
A daughter, a granddaughter, a niece a cousin.
Always loved and always missed.
Jane
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