Letter Edged in Black by Ginny Childress Becker
(In Honor of Mother’s Day)
We knew to expect it but had almost forgotten the warning we experienced several weeks earlier. We had been enjoying the first signs of spring as the bitter winds eased and the lengthening days allowed the sun to warm up the morning chill. There was still plenty of wood to keep the cabin cozy at night but other chores demanded our daily attention such as milking, hauling water and feeding the chickens. Momma had just set up the wash tub leaving the door ajar when a blackbird flew in surprising not only us but itself as well. But, we knew that its omen would bring bad news and eventually indeed it did.
Papa returned from town today & handed Mommy an envelope edged in black. She sat down holding it in her trembling hands for several long minutes. Her shoulders sagged with the weight of the grief surely born in that letter causing her apron to slip off of one shoulder. All of us children gathered on the stoop to peek in as she opened it, and we learned together that Granny had died four days earlier. It seemed more like mid-winter rather than spring at that moment when we all pushed in to surround her with the only condolence we could offer with our embraces and love. Sweet tender memories will soon replace this day and we’ll once again smile when we pick black raspberries or bouquets of wild flowers as we once did with Granny.
I try to cope the best that I can
But I’m missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me.
Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.
Joyce Irene Grenfell
1910 – 1979
British Actress, Singer & Writer