Brenda The Beautiful Poem by Melody McKinstrie

I was with her when the clock struck twelve,
It meant that my sister's birthday
Was underway.
We were drinking.
Acting silly.
But not outrageously.
It was just a small gathering
At our niece's apartment.

I wish I had a fabulous present for her.
God knows she deserves it.
She has been a wonderful friend
She has taken care of me.
She can be quite the doting mother hen.
She is the rock
So many swim to when they need
Something to hold on to.
Her love and generosity
Are so very beautiful.
She deserves a present
Befitting a queen.
But she understands
It is not the gift
It is the intent.
Behind it.

As I look at her birthday wishes
From her many friends
And relatives
I see the word beautiful
Again and again.
So many of us see this,
It is not a meaningless word
It defines her.
It is not just her outward appearance
It is what is within.

So as we celebrated
Her being one year older.
She took a moment to post
A message to our Mother
Who was no longer here
The woman who made our
Very existence possible
The one we will never forget
The one we emulate
In all her loving kindness
It simply said
"My Mother is Beautiful"
To which my sister added
"She is the reason I have a birthday today."
I like to think our Mom
Was with us in spirit.

My beautiful sister
I love you.
I do not say it enough.
It should not take a birthday
To prompt my saying it.
We are together often
I do say it randomly
As we leave one another
Or as an ending message
When we text.
So I will say it again
Just for the practice.
LOL
I love you.
Brenda.
The beautiful.