A Friend Beyond Words

When we first met, she told me we would always be friends— 

even if it didn’t work out between her son and me.

I left her son two months before the wedding—

still she remained my friend.

I went back to school to become a teacher—

she paid my tuition, 

telling me she wanted to see me become 

the great teacher she knew I could become—
only asking I one day do the same for someone else.

She met the man I would marry—

she told me she could see why I waited for so long.

She welcomed my children—

calling herself Granny Anni.

Exhausted from trips to doctor, my dad dying of cancer—

like one of my family, she took him to doctors’ appointments,

giving us a rest in a time of need.

When Dad died—

she came with goodbye balloons for the kids to release into the air—
notes on strings, a tangible and personal goodbye for each grandkid.

A heart shoved aside, an aortic aneurysm, 

three more surgeries to brave—

she presses on with strength and fortitude.

Her family and friends watch in amazement—

as strong as ever, physically and mentally—

her new nickname—

Hurricane Anni, she is on the move—

strong, stubborn, and steadfast.

Keep my friend, Anni in your prayers as tomorrow she faces her second open heart surgery. Pray that the surgery goes well and that she is able to paint again one day soon.

Anni Painting