That’s how old you’d be,
mom,
if you were still here.

You’re not,
but the memory of
your kindness
your gentleness
your beauty
your love of us children
your quiet intelligence
and quiet strength,
and more,
remain.

If there is a heaven,
mom,
and if you can
see how the lives
of your children
and grandchildren
and other close to you,
still alive,
are turning out,
we hope you approve.

We know that,
whatever that reality,
the truth is
that you live on
in the hearts and minds
of many.

We love you.