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(for Lori whose mother passed away in November, 1999)

The flicker is gone,
but the flame will not fade.

For you brought me comfort,
when I was afraid.

You shared with me stories,
that I have passed on.

From mother to dauhter,
and dauhter to son.

When life had no meaning,
and was filled with regret.

You were right there to catch me,
just like my first step.

You just seemed to be there,
year after year.

To hold me so close,
and brush back my tears.

And now as you lay there
all fragile and frail,
and this storybook
comes to an end,

I realize now you
were more than my mother,
you were my first,
and my very best friend.

by Thomas Harvey