A TRIBUTE TO NORMA

I was sitting at work when I got the news –
Lost it, distraught, wasted, crying – all so blue.

Everyone has their own way of grieving death.
One thing I do know we will never conversate again, gone 
            and left,
NorMe, my Sister Girlfriend, I am gonna miss you,
Although my heart sobs right now, you did what you had to   do.

If we only knew, we would have done this or that,
            God came down, said nothing and took you back.
This was surely an anonymous plan,
            Now Norma is sitting at God’s right hand.
God never makes a mistake, that’s for sure.
            I wonder about the things we sometimes have to         endure,

The times we laughed and talked together,
The memories in my mind, running around scatter.
Norma, I have to use your words “SAY IT AIN’T SO!”

Always focus on your goal only to go.
I can hear you saying, “Tis ain’t my fault, hush up or calm     down.”
But now lay silent resting in your burial gown,
your heartbeat ceased, but deep within I realize you have found peace.

Baby Sister, I am truly going to miss your wit and charm,
your inspiration, and the way you weathered the         storm.

Norma -- your character always trusted and cared,
            I am thinking I will soon wake from this nightmare.

Steadfast and authoritative, to get the job done,
            a happy-go-lucky person full of fun.
            Could be firm with the task at hand,
            with a made up mind that was the command.

The way you cared for your sons –
            I give you all the adoration,
            Taking care of your mother, running your shop,     
            took determination,     
            Jasmin and Jerrell were your motivating force.
            Although tired and stressed, you stayed the course.

Norma did not complain – just maintained.
Jas and Rell promised me to keep your Mom alive.
Deep in your heart and soul, let her strive.

Norma occupied that inner quality that each of us should       aspire to possess.
            Reaching deep within, touching our subconscious       never to impress.

She loved her family gathering together through the years,
Sponsoring various outings on occasions for all to appear.
           
This is a bitter pill to swallow, in self-pity I wallow.
We should never question God’s infinite decisions.
Norma stood tall and proud of her religion.
I am not mad – just sad,
            and feel like this is a calamity.
            May God bless and keep the family.

I know you are in a better place at Jesus’ side.
            In my heart so broken and torn, you will always         abide.
            Now a new place you reside.
            I hope one day to see you on the other side!

For You Sister Girlfriend
From Deborah Y. Crawford
July 2008