Once we were five, now

we are four. 

One sister taken before

her time just when the 

fun of retirement 

was to begin.

She was our firecracker,

born on the Fourth

of July, so smart, so

accomplished, so articulate.

A trailblazer, a scholar,

one of a few women

in a law school class,

she excelled all

the way through.

And oh my could she dance!

She had more rhythm

than the rest of us combined.

Now suddenly with

no warning, she is gone.

So how do I grieve this

shattering loss? A friend

told me there is no right 

or wrong way to grieve,

just find your own way.

And so I am. I walk, I read, 

I eat, I sleep, I cook. I look 

through old photos, talk

with children and grandchildren,

read notes and cards, speak 

with friends, take one day 

at a time, and hope that finally

this consuming sadness will be 

replaced with acceptance

and the warm glow of memories.

I know that time will come after

many tears and many months.

She has left a huge hole in our hearts.

Once we were five,

now we are four.