I lit a Candle for you

Twenty-eight years ago, you left us for heaven.

For sure that’s where you belong, today I really miss you.

I lit a candle for you.

The statue of Kwan Yin reminds me of you.

You had one you made in some ceramics class long ago.

So many amazing experiences your life encompassed that it’s difficult for most to hold a candle to you.

I had put the statue away for a while, as I had put memories of you away as well. I brought it out front and center and I lit a candle for you.

The year your health was going downhill, I lit a candle for you every day.

Those small little chapels with icons all over Athens in the most remarkable places, I lit a candle for you.

The months before your journey we were all together. I begged you to tell us about our family tree.

We bet donuts and shared stories never told.

Not a single day goes by without one of your words or lessons coming to mind.

“Love everybody unconditionally, be organized, get an education. Treat everyone as your equal, be kind, be generous, make sure everyone is well fed with food made with love, be adventurous, be thankful. Be a leader not a follower,”.

Pani Mary, I lit a candle today so that your spirit will be with me and guide me.