Remembering David, from your Mother

Someone is missing this Christmas.
Along with the other past four.
Daily I reflect on him and what he is doing and
What he would want me to do.

He is my person this year to have included
In my daily routines and tasks -
So I've made a list  to remind me of his life
And ways I might have acted in his stead.

Five years have come and gone -
Heartbreak yet tender mercies
Of memories and heartfelt peace
To calm our troubled souls.

Early on the cousins met in Arizona for retreat.
At that time we were able to hear of the miracle
Of Jim Nelson's life and we were  able
To hug him and feel Davids lungs so close.

Throughout the year I've continued
The preceptorship to someone
Who serves the Lord at the Humanitarian Center
And will allow her to improve her career possibilities.

Scripture study this year
Was to read the Book of Mormon.
Though not quite through
I've felt Davids peace be with me.

In the summer were family reunions
That took lots of planning and prep to pull them off -
But being a "believer" I felt David's strength
Pushing me on and on - reunions were his thing.

At our Kenney reunion in Ouray, CO
A tender mercy for me - While on the Durango/Silverton rail trip
A chance meeting with the EMT that lifted my son's mortal body
From the wreckage and carried him in his arms for help.

David loved Halloween way too much
Ghosts and gouls and RIP no longer did it for me until
I felt him encouraging me and laughing
As a haunted Fairy Garden we created.

As the end of the year drew near and the holidays
Were almost upon us - I planned a very fun sub-for Santa
In his name - to a person he loved -
But the gifts were "oh, so me".

That boy really loved a good party
So, I have one just up his alley
Planned for later this week
A Merry Movie Marathon Holiday party and candy exchange.

The Bradley Center - our comfort and grief support group-
Requested a monetary donation
Which was made from the "fun" account
In the names of his children and wife.

During the anniversary of his passing
I made a phone call to The  Utah Donors Association.
I suggested Grandpa Jim share the story of his lungs
At the annual memory reception.

Bruce and I look forward this year
To a trip to the Holy Land.
Here's hoping he'll be there to buoy me up
And help carry my luggage over the cobblestones.

Though working hard in another sphere
I've felt his presence near each time I see his children
So tall and straight and SMART-
Then into their eyes I look and know that he is still here.

Yes, someone is missing this Christmas
He seems close, yet we're so far apart.
He  left behind his earthly creations
And we will strive towards heavenly work here.