Memories of You

This is how I remember it:

You cuddled up with your boyfriend in a hammock near the beach,

while I played at the water's edge in Fajardo at Seven Seas.

I walked over rocks barefoot, catching baby crabs and fish in a plastic cup.

The waves ran over my feet until I let the water pull me in, swimming freely.

I was always drawn to the water;

Those were the times I felt the happiest and most content.

I wish my life could always be like that—

riding my bike, flying a kite, playing with friends, visiting the beach,

going to El Yunque, and seeing the ocean view from the mountains.

Being with you, sharing these memories,

I wish life could rewind to those moments

and take it all in before unfortunate events changed everything.

Now, all I have are these memories, and like those moments, you're gone too.

I wish I had told you how much I love and miss you, Mi Abuelita.

You are my orange sands, limber de coco. You’re canela, rice, and habichuelas.

You are music and laughter, dominoes and telenovelas, and chicken empanadas.

Your favorite was alcapurrias, but you are so much more.

I will love you forever

Author notes:

El Yunque is a mountain in Puerto Rico

Mi Abuelita means My Grandma

Limber de Coco is a Puerto Rican treat, and it can come in different flavors, but mine was coconut (Coco)

Habichuelas are beans

Telenovelas are Spanish dramas

Alcapurrias are a Puerto Rican food