AN UNPLANNED TRIP

When the phone call comes
from someone you love,
that a precious family member
has been called from above. 

The heart stops for a moment.
Tears fill your eyes.
The mind recalls memories
and begins questioning why.

The numbness begins,
as plans need to be made.
A trip must be taken.
Respects must be paid.

Sitting quietly one night,
we received that call
telling of the death
of my beautiful sister-in-law.

We packed the car
preparing for the miles.
Our hearts saddened
as we recalled her smile.

It was a long dreary ride
for a very sad occasion,
but considering the reason,
we needed no persuasion.

Family and friends welcomed us,
sorrow in their hearts.
Her husband stood by helplessly,
recalling, "Till death do us part."

The service was touching
with friends standing to tell
how she touched their lives,
picking them up when they fell.

We said our good bye
at the family burial ground
on the top of a hill
where her spirit abounds

We'll wrestle with our grief,
her husband most of all,
as he restlessly waits
to answer his own call.

Words offer little comfort
in these troubling times,
he'll miss his soul mate,
but she'll remain in his mind.

Back home once again,
in our own little world.
To Judy, my sister-in-law,
"I'm going to miss you, Girl."

She rests with the angels,
as we dry our tears.
She'll remain in our hearts
for the rest of our years.