WHAT would this day bring,
From me to you.
More than a card, a gift,
and a long phone call.
Laughter, while comparing kid notes, our families,
our friends, and our lives.
You had but a couple of days with my oldest,
I promise you’d get a kick out of all three…
And they even more from you.
Big news from the west coast for you,
And from your Razorback.
We would have hooked up last weekend,
Or maybe next.
Drinks, dinner, friends, and neighbors.
Four short hours is sorely missed.
That’s nothing compared to this eternal gap,
Bridged with faith, love, and my undying adoration.
What would have developed differently?
What would have stayed the same?
Stability, just stable, could be your middle name.
You would exercise your sisterly right to call me out,
Each and every time it was necessary.
And that was more often than not.
With your usual candor.
I miss that too.
What music, what book, what movie?
What ride, what run, what story?
How would you handle
Being an empty-nester?
With grace and fun,
Downtown or homespun.
That which you’ve missed is what pains me,
and it’s a healthy list.
So happy 55,
My lovely Big Sis,
If there’s not a party in your honor,
Heaven would be remiss.
© 2016
Great tribute.
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Beautiful tribute to Kelly, Drew.
She’s been on my mind all day today. Love you both and miss her!
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Thanks Joe, Lisa and Donna. I really appreciate it. Donna it’s good to hear from you!
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Love this! She will always hold a special place in my heart 💗
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I know Margie. She was a sweet one, like you… thanks!
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Margie, you should hit the home button and poke around on this blog. I wrote a something about our early Thanksgivings in November of ’14.
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This is beautiful Andy. Happy birthday Kelly. Love and miss you.
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Thanks Sheila. Too much heartache. I always think that she would have a blast out on your farm, riding horses.
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Reblogged this on Andrew Spradling and commented:
Two more years under the bridge, this just doesn’t get any easier. Miss you, Sis. Happy Birthday. Thanks for reading, A.S.
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thought about Kelly all day yesterday, as I’m sure you do everyday. I love this poem. And, you’re so right, it’s the things that her, and our other loved ones, have missed that hurts the most! Love you Drew, and Kelly, always!
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I went through school with Kelly and remember her as very sweet. I enjoyed your tribute to her.
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Thanks, Pat. I thought that you must have known her. I appreciate the kind words
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