An Unconditional Love

The greatest storyteller.

No matter the topic: miracles, disaster, or death.

I vividly remember your recount of witnessing my first breath.

A story you told, could never be brief, but each one ensued comedic relief.

How could I forget?

The story, of the first time we met.

Just after 11, on an ordinary Monday night in Brooklyn, New York.

Soon I'd arrive, courtesy of the Jewish delivery stork.

I never thought the introduction of your first grandchild, could be nutritious.

You'd say: "It was the first time I ever tried shawarma, and boy was it delicious!"

I wouldn't have it any other way, that is my favorite birthday story, to this day.

I came to know, all your stories were like that,

not one of them had ever fallen flat.

Your ability to keep every heart captivated,

was evident in the boisterous audience you accumulated.

The greatest listener.

A mother to many, a servant to all,

it was always an absolute pleasure to take anyone's call.

Your attention to detail was out of this universe,

as I grew up it was both a blessing and a curse.

A lesson in how you carry yourself, so valuable for me to discern,

you were quick to listen, slow to speak, a recipe I just had to learn.

You'd remember all the ingredients and instructions to bake,

a legendary pie and tart crust that only Margret could perfect the flake.

Your generosity in putting others before yourself, on birthdays, anniversaries, and visits,

a love that truly knew no limits.

The greatest love

It was the fall of 1996,

I rested in the arms of an unconditional love that would grow to be my fix.

To the one who loved me most on this earth,

thank you for teaching me all that I'm worth.

Thank you for showing me what unconditional love is,

I'm finally ready with all the answers to your quiz!

Yes, the truth sometimes cuts like a knife,

I thank God He chose you to lead me back to the source of life.

Thank you for the relentless reminders of the only antidote to my God-sized hole,

a void fit for the Creator, the Author, and Lover of my soul.

A lesson so valuable for me to learn,

the love I went searching for, I would never earn.

As if you could see through my heart,

every ache, need, and dream crushed with a fiery dart.

You were someone I was always excited to see,

what an arduous journey you signed up for with me.

Whether I had a boyfriend was your most consistent plea.

You were the GOAT in discovering the tea.

You modeled a mother, a wife, and marriage so sweet,

you have no idea how high the bar is, it will be hard to beat.

The greatest worshipper

To be born into a musical family is such a gift,

The fastest way to bring about a mindset shift.

Your voice rings in my ears today,

of songs I'll forever be singing on replay.

A melody reverberating in my heart so dear,

the sounds of your chuckle in my ear.

Something in the way you worshipped the King,

was the most incredible thing!

Every time I reach that place in His presence,

I think about your smile, your sway, it was your essence.

There is nothing I would not give, to see it one more time,

you, worshipping, at home, at church, it was truly sublime.

The greatest role model

Your example of true worship is where I aspire to be,

likened to my grandmother would be the greatest honor to me.

How you taught was striking, to say the least,

only you could end each sermon, study, or story in Revelation, by mentioning the beast.

I thank God for your zeal,

teaching me young, "whatever she's talking about, must be real."

Sister Marg's preaching was astounding, especially when shouting,

packed with a punch it never left anyone snoring, or doubting!

Your boldness for the truth is something I miss,

even convicting words landed as gently as a kiss.

You dedicated your energy to be a life poured out in service,

any sign of pain, suffering, or discomfort was never detectable on the surface.

I'm so blessed to have played the role of your first granddaughter,

it's no wonder I'm also obsessed with being in the water.

All that you shared with me, I'll cherish until eternity,

for now, they'll remain safely stowed in a vault, guarded internally.

The greatest gift

He places people in our lives, some only to pass by,

and those, we may never know why.

The most instrumental are assigned for a lifetime, not a season,

It's those, God chose, to meet you for a specific reason.

Today marks 3 years since you left,

If I'm being honest, it feels like the ultimate theft.

I have so much I wish I could tell you, even more to ask.

I desperately miss your guidance and wisdom that kept me focused, on the eternal task.

What I wish you knew most would brighten your day,

I wish I could tell you I finally know what it means to obey!

While each day goes by I understand how you were,

although those final months left my mind in a blur.

Your unique character and personality painted a picture of what you loved most,

growing closer to the One who you brought me to, thriving with the Holy Ghost.

He created me for you, and you for me, knowing you'd be the key,

the one to pivot my narrow view on my life's destiny.

The greatest gift resides in the most beautiful love story,

intricately woven, and crafted in splendor and glory.

Thank you for teaching me there is a good fight to fight,

to run my race, and keep the faith is the only way to do it right.

When striving for all you spoke of, it's impossible to keep my head down,

when the righteousness and all you fought for, finally awards you your crown.

How could I be upset when you understood the assignment?

Longing for His appearing in a lifetime devoted to refinement.

The greatest goodbye

After 11 pm, on a Monday, I held your hand,

whispering, "I love you" was all I could say at the end.

We watched in disbelief as you breathed your last.

After all you've done for me, it all happened so fast.

I truly never thought this day would come,

I always imagined if it did, you smiling, shouting:

"I made it, my Jesus, I'm done!"

Twenty-four years and eleven months, you stuck by my side.

In one moment, just one breath, caused the deepest, darkest divide.

Twenty-four years and eleven months didn't seem that long to me.

God had a different plan, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

I long for forever, where we'll be together.

In Heaven, with Jesus, like birds of a feather.

08.23.21.

11:44 pm