where the boats go

at about 7:30 pm my great grandmother Jesse-Helen passed away at the age of 91.

Lemme tell you, whatever awaits her after this world, she’ll give ’em hell.

That lady was a fighter, to the very last second.

she hasn’t been able to eat solid food for about 8 years.

And she’s had severe parkinsons as well.

But her mind has always been sharp.

Tiny, just about 5 feet at her tallest, but no one dared ever mess with her, lest they get the spoon.

I am one of 2 in the last generation of her descendants, and the only female.

My family on that side is not a close one, nor a particularly friendly one, and I don’t know much about most of her life.

I wish I did, because I know it was an interesting one.

Starting in Arkansas, ending in california, with my crazy half cherokee great grandfather.

And most importantly, I have her hair.

Brown ringlet curls, that somehow have become a defining characteristic of my person.

So, to my dearest great-grandmother who I did not visit nearly enough, here are words I did not say,

you are one of the toughest women I know,

I loved you,

I will make sure you are not forgotten.

<3 always,

Sarah Phoebe