Thanks for the Memories

Sandra Hayward-Jones
EVWP Summer 2009


Thanks for the memories – the things you introduced to me
The taste of Miracle Whip on sandwiches
Cheese on a hot dog – I’d never heard of that
The love one can have for brothers and sisters –
You were one of six; I was the only one.

Thanks for the memories – the adventures we shared.
Travel all over the South and East Coast
Although I cannot stand long car trips to this day
Meeting new people in different academic spheres
Standing by your side as your wife, proud to be there.

Thanks for the memories – our children are born
What shall we name them?
Let’s remember family names and let our children know their heritage
Let’s give them names that are strong and beautiful
A boy and a girl – perfect family.

Thanks for the memories – the stories you told
I felt like I was there, though I did not go
To high school or most of college with you.
The images were vividly embedded in my mind.
The friends, your friends, became mine by default.

Thanks for the memories – I’ll ne’er forget you.
Not that I could. The love of my life.
Thirteen years together as man and wife.
When you died, a big part of me died too.
Thanks for the memories.