I remember the light -
the way it slipped through the slats in the
vertical blinds as we began the final leg of our
journey together.

I remember you -
the way you felt when your
daddy laid you on my chest,
soft and slimy and
perfect.

I remember the midwife -
the way she told me how
beautiful you were and how
perfect your butt was and that I should
kiss it…so I did!

I remember everything about the night before -
the way my water broke at one,
the ride to the hospital at two,
three contractions at the admissions desk,
the way your daddy held me up through
every pressure wave,
the water pouring over me,
going to the furthest threshold of pain without any barrier of relief,
the way you turned after all our hard work.

And I remember the moment -
too sacred to tell.

I remember the light -
the light of your life and soul
so new and fresh,
the light of you in a world wanting for brightness.

Happy Birthday, sweet Jude. I will always remember your story and love your life.