In memory of .... my memories of

Joan Finneran was an artist and poet, her words on paper were as beautiful as her hand on a paint brush.
Joan Finneran was a woman that loved to read, wife of 50+ years and mother of 5, I being the youngest.
Joan Finneran was my mother, she passed away 8 years ago this month.
My mother wrote this poem for me on my 35th birthday.

You
burrowed in my heart and nested there like some small snuggled swallow.
my little one.
I watched you spread your wings and soar ...
you made me proud.
I gave you all I had to give;
a love of books, and beauty from my mother,
the spirit of adventure from your dad,
the luxury of solitude to be yourself,
the gift of tears, a curiosity for truth,
the talent to forgive ... and to forget.
And I look at you and see the girl I never was,
the woman I had hoped to be
the mother that I should have been.
could this dead tree have brought forth such a lovely bloom?
I thank you for your gifts to me.
You are the keeper of the flame, and like the swallow,
you come back to warm the empty branches of my heart.

Joan Finneran -