This Year (2020)

(Background on Dad's phone 
when he passed)

It’s the last day.
It’s the last day of a year
That came and is now going.
There is heartache, joy, peace, dissension, death, and life
In each year that comes and goes.
 
In 2020, our darling, sweet baby Marabelle Marie-Ève joined us
In this big, wide, world.
Her sense of humor and constant changes
Energize and inspire us.
We pray for her future and dream
Of the life we have ahead of us.
 
In 2020, we lost my dad—the only one I had on this earth.
A long journey of grief, that accompanied his illness,

Including his passing after 9 years of being sick and in pain.

 
In 2020, we lost my last grandparent: my dear Grandma Lind.
People in my family always say we have a lot in common:
Wide thumbs, love of travel… 

(Belle meeting Great-Gran)

 
In 2020, we lost my uncle. He sent Marabelle a sweet pair
Of shiny golden shoes. I’m glad she has them to remember him by.
 
We lost one of my cousins, too. I didn’t have the chance to know her well.
Our family grieves her unexpected loss.
 
Three of these four precious ones passed within a span of 30 days.
 Marabelle,
Our dear, sweet Marabelle,
did not have the pleasure of meeting any of these
significant and irreplaceable people
In person.
 
In 2020, we took our first international flight with
Our baby.
At 10 months of age, she met her dear
Granmè, Granpè, grantati li yo, tati li yo, tonton’l, kouzin li yo, ak yon kouzen.
Laughter, hugs, kisses—these were a treasured gift
That we now hold onto in our memories and photographs.  
 

(Tout fami)

Seasons come and they go.
Throughout unpredictable ebbs and flows,

(Tout fami)

I extend my arms to embrace a new year,
Marked by the calendar,
That calls me to respond in gratitude, reflection, sadness, joy, anticipation, and yearning.