THE BEGINNING

Occasionally, I will be asked to write a poem for someone. My friend, Amye, died four months ago. Prior to her death, she requested that I, and another friend, Penny, drive her car to Tennessee to give to her cousin. One month after Amye’s death, Penny and I were honored to drive Amye's car to Memphis. Amye, Penny and I all met working at hospice.

The drive was very healing and supportive to both Penny and myself. Penny and I were very close friends prior to this trip, but this car trip allowed us to become even closer. We laughed a lot while healing with our grief of the loss of our friend Amye.

Most of Amye's family lives in Memphis Tennessee. Amye's family just embraced Penny and I. It was wonderful. Amye's Aunt Margaret knew that I wrote poetry. Aunt Margaret, her husband and her nephew all flew out to San Francisco for Amye's scattering of ashes near the Golden Gate Bridge. It is difficult to take only one photo of the Golden Gate Bridge; hence I had many.

Amye was born in Memphis. Aunt Margaret asked that I take a photo of their bridge in Memphis while we were visiting. She wanted both bridges framed along with the poem she requested that I write. Hence the two photos and my poem are now framed and hanging in the perfect spot at our Hospice Office.

Amye had an eleven year old cat named Coco. Another co-worker, Sunny, adopted Coco after Amye's death. I sit next to Sunny at work. These past four months she has been sharing Coco stories in such a beautiful and humorous way. Her stories represented the Alpha personality of Coco in such an adorable way.

Coco was diagnosed with Pancreatitis and Diabetes three days ago. Sunny struggled as did not want Coco to leave her, but also did not want her to suffer with finger sticks and insulin injections. Early this morning, Sunny handed Coco over to Amye. I would like to think that all is what it should be. Amye and Coco together again. Today seemed like the perfect day to share Amye’s and Coco’s story. We all were honored to be a part.

THE BEGINNING

 

In the beginning,

nearby a beautiful Memphis bridge,

she was welcomed by her loving family

into a new and beautiful world.

Even though moving to the West Coast

at three months of age,

her family relationship grew and prospered

as the love connections never failed.

She made new friends

who also became family to her.

They surrounded and loved her

like she so well deserved.

Forty-nine years later,

it was her time to go.

She knew and accepted it

living her life and allowing her death

her way.

We all said goodbye

near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Gently handing her over to the other side.

Another new beginning;

    especially created   

               just for her.