Cousins
My grandson Matthew
gave my grandson Kaden
the gift of a nickname,
Bugaboo,
which he will never be able to share.
They will never play together,
be friends
or accomplices
in some childhood subterfuge.
Matthew will go on,
alone.
But will hold in his heart the thought of his cousin,
Kaden Anthony.
Until one day he can tell his own son,
about the friend he never knew.
K. Hanson, Kaden’s Grandfather
Losing you
In the midst of the surreal agony
Of losing you
When day was night
And time was liquid,
Was a precious moment
When I held your weight in my arms
And I felt eternal joy.
Claudia Burris, Kaden’s Grandmother
Thank you
Thank you for including me in
Joyous trips to check out cribs, strollers, and new-fangled equipment.
Thank you for letting me sneak
Just a few more adorable outfits into the pile.
Thank you for sharing exercise and fresh air
As you nurtured your baby with healthy energy.
Thank you for inviting me to be the
Grandma in the prenatal yoga class.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your parenting –
The indescribable joys and the surreal sorrow.
Thank you for revealing to me
Your strength as individuals, the power of your partnership, the depth of your devotion to your son.
Thank you for allowing me
To hold your precious child.
Claudia Burris, Kaden’s Grandmother
Grandma
Diplomas on the wall
Title on the door
All that really matters is
Mom, Wife, Friend,
And Kaden’s Grandma.
Claudia Burris, Kaden’s Grandmother