I remember you arrived in the aftermath
of hurricane Katrina
You turned my world upside-down
but in the best way possible

I remember you sleeping peacefully
surrounded by many stuffed animals
who would later become
your treasured playmates

I remember your smiles and laughter
intermixed with a quiet seriousness
as if you were contemplating
the mysteries of the universe

I remember how excited I was
when your hair was long enough to put in pigtails and braids
and how you pulled them out
because you preferred your hair free and messy

I remember the many pretty dresses
you loved to wear
and how they showed off your scrapes and bruises
from playing rough and keeping up with the big boys

I remember you asking me to sleep with you
pulling me as close as you could
face to face and noses touching
giving each other eskimo kisses

I remember your intelligence and confidence
as you started to navigate your own way
through this confusing world
and how I wished I could be more like you

I remember the joy
I remember the love
I remember you
every day and
with every breath

Submitted by Maria Kubitz in loving memory of her daughter, Margareta.