I never have anything intelligent to say about death and loss. It hurts. @[1316479637:Jennifer RS], @[588425273:Richelle Walter], and @[1354573545:Rob Ricer] said better things in their reflections. This photo was the last time I saw my Uncle or Grandmother, back in 2019 because I didn’t want to travel during COVID. (I am very thankful that I went in December that year!) I talked to her and told her I loved her on Mother’s Day. Grandma published thousands of poems in the local paper and one book of selected poetry (Life Can Be Verse, 1990), so I’ll just share this one: Ride the Unicorn (she loved 🦄) There is a place inside my mind Where no one goes but me, It’s filled with fantasies and dreams My eyes can plainly see. My favorite is the Unicorn With flowing mane and tail If I could just bring it to life On fairy wings I’d sail. We’d travel far across the hills The wind and sun we’d tame Astride the lovely Unicorn In a never-ending game. I know life isn’t fairy tales But everyone needs dreams Planks with which to build your ship To sail down hope-filled streams. We never tire of wanting things At least we think we do But very few are happy When their every wish comes true. No one ever promised us That life is always fair But hang onto your precious dreams And someday you’ll get there. And if one day you hear I’m gone Don’t fret for me or mourn Just know at last I’ve been allowed To ride the Unicorn.