First Face I Ever Saw

Missing my mother today, and remembering what a wonderful impact she made on me and my siblings and so many people. Willa Anne (Tibbetts) Sheehan, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on July 30th 1926. Mama passed on this date 11/11/1980. Clearly, I loved her, I write about her a lot, and I feel her spirit is in some, if not all, of my work.

Mama:

First face I ever saw

Kisses melting away fear and pain

Hands so soft with healing touches

Holding my hand wherever we go

My brother Chris, also in tow

Look both ways

Stay together

Dressed us up for any weather

Playing Ukulele, singing a song

Inviting us to sing along

Taught me to play baseball

Wrote a million letters to folks she knew

She always thought first of Papa

Made sure we’d be there for supper

Sitting on steps applauding his arrival

Bonding us all forever

Spring and summer in her garden

Often weeding in her cone of silence

Don’t ride your bikes on my flowers

Or bang my Lilac with your car

Always smiling and wishing things right

And crying for those who had nothing

She loved us unconditionally

Missed us when we were gone

I love and miss you Mama

First face I ever saw …