Missing you
by Linda Schwartz

As a child I refused to come to your grave, even though Pop asked me if I wanted him to take me. I wasn't ready.

Now an adult, I'm still not sure if I'm ready. Pop said we were going home to the temple. I felt now is the time.

My father leads me to your grave. At first I feel numb, then it all hits me at once, all the emotions I didn't realize I kept bottled up. I collapse at our grave, mother. Taken from me when I was so young, I still remember the scent you wore, jasmine.

The tears fall, I haven't cried over you in years. Now they fall like a dam that has finally burst.

"Peter", I hear my Dad calling me back from my sorrow.

I look out at the peaceful lake that is beside your grave. I can feel you are with me. And I know I have come full circle.

"Thank you, Dad, for finally bringing me here." I tell Pop.

He says I have always been here.

He's right......